Eldest resident at Bertha Solomon to celebrate his 107th birthday
JOBURG – “I looked for a job and was fortunate enough to get it with just a Standard One (Grade Three) qualification. I worked as a tailor.”
Anton Mabunda is the oldest resident at Bertha Solomon Old Age Home.
Born on November 26, 1911, in what was then called Gazankulu, Mabunda will be celebrating his 107th birthday on November 25 at the old age home.
“Growing up, life was not as easy as it is now. It was very difficult to go to school. Education was not important, at least not in my family.
“As a young boy it was my responsibility to herd cows and goats. I did not dream of becoming a teacher nor a police officer. “All I wanted to do was to have many cows when I grow up. I dropped out of school after completing Standard One (Grade Three) and continued to look after my parents’ stock. Later years, I overheard some of the people from the same village talking about taking a train to Johannesburg to make a better living,” he said.
He told the EXPRESS that he first came to Johannesburg to look for a job in 1930.
“I looked for a job and was fortunate enough to get it with just a Standard One (Grade Three) qualification. I worked as a tailor.
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“I used to sew formal clothes in a factory in Soweto. I faced many challenges and the biggest one being language barriers. I couldn’t really understand what people were saying because I did not know English.
“I used to go home every now and then but I stopped. I don’t even remember the last time I went home but I have a family back in Giyani. I am a father of nine children but I no longer have siblings. I am very blessed to have seen so many years. I still can’t believe it,” he said.
At his age, he is unable to do most things for himself anymore.
He spends his time in front of his cottage.
“I would like to advise the youth of today to go to school. Life is difficult without education. They must also respect their elders,” he said.
Founder of Angel Link Foundation Melony Beulah Venkatas said they decided to host a birthday party for Mabunda on November 25 to make him feel special.
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“He is very kind and humble and has a lot of respect for others. He came here in 2014. The party will take place outside his apartment from 12pm till 1pm,” she said.
Venkatas said people can help by contributing towards the catering.
“We also need two tables and 50 chairs. A walker would be a great gift for him as we can’t afford that,” she said.
Contact Venkatas on 084 083 2812.
