ROSEMARY De Waal is one of The Association for the Aged’s (Tafta) eldest residents. She has just blown 100 candles in celebration of her life.

Born in Durban in 1925,  De Waal grew up in her family’s Durban home that was built by her father. Surrounded by her four siblings — Elsie, Brian, Eric, and Molly — the household was filled with warmth, close bonds, and a love for learning that shaped her long and purposeful life. The home later gained special meaning when one of her children used her former bedroom as an office.

De Waal spent much of her career working as a secretary, but it was her artistic flair that earned her recognition beyond the workplace. A skilled cake decorator, seamstress, and mosaic artist, she became known for her intricate novelty cakes — including designs shaped as handbags, tennis courts, and grand pianos. Her creativity was recognised with one of the top awards at the Royal Show, a proud achievement fondly remembered by her family.

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Now the matriarch of five generations,  De Waal has seven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren living across the globe. Described by her family as “fastidious, loyal, and determined,” she continues to approach each day with curiosity and enthusiasm. “She never stops learning,” said her daughter. “Even in her later years, she could out-talk tech salespeople.”

A resident of Tafta for several years,  De Waal transitioned from independent to assisted living, where she continues to maintain her own routines with the support of caregivers and Nursing Services manager, Sister Mala. “She is quietly strong and honest, and still values her independence,” said Sister Mala. “It’s a joy to care for someone who brings such warmth and wisdom.”

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De Waal still begins each morning with a fruit breakfast and her cherished cup of tea — and never misses a chance to chat with family on her iPad. Her family jokes that her longevity secret lies in her steadfast rule: “No water or coffee — only tea.”

To mark her centenary, Tafta hosted a small gathering in her honour, complete with tea, stories, and a cake sponsored by a donor. “Every milestone is a community celebration,” said Tafta CEO Femada Shamam. “Residents like De Waal remind us of the importance of living with purpose and dignity at every age.”

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