Celebrating 103 years of life
The Germiston Association for the Aged in Primrose celebrated its elder’s birthday on March 30.
103 years of life is not an age many people reach, but Gabriel Esterhuysen is one of the few people who reached it.
The Germiston Association for the Aged, in Primrose, celebrated the elder’s birthday on March 30.
Elderly residents from the home came out to shower their neighbour with love and gifts.
The home gifted Gabriel a bench with his name written on it.
“Gabriel likes the outdoors. He enjoys sitting outside, so we decided to get him the bench as a gift. We will put the bench outside of his unit so he can enjoy it,” said the general manager of the Association, Ani Venter.
She said they were proud of him as he is still in an independent unit instead of frail care.
Ani said Gabriel is one of the most encouraging residents at the home.
“He always has something pleasant to say about everything. Even during the pandemic, he said it will end and things will be better again.”
Interestingly in 1918, the year Gabriel was born, SA had another pandemic, the Spanish Flu.
She added he grew up in Bez Valley and married Joey.
“His nickname from his family was Gabe or Oom Gawie or Uncle Gabe. He worked most of his life at Eskom and later for the Germiston municipality. He read electric meters.
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On February 12, 1988, he moved into the Rotary Village.
“He got married again to Lena Ebberon.”
Gabe the Dreamer
Ani said he still dreams, even at his age.
She added Gabriel dreams of going on holiday where he can fish. He also kept his carport in case he buys a car.
“Gabriel is loved by everyone.”
Maggie Fleming, a long-time friend of Gabriel, said he was an independent man who does not even want to use a walking stick.
“I met Gabriel in 1950 when he worked with my husband,” said Maggie.
Noeline Botha, another friend of Gabriel, said she wishes him health and safety.
Derk Smal said Gabriel would always bring his cars to him to get fixed.
“He is a best friend who is always kind. I wish him many more years to come,” said Derk.
Vice-chairperson of the association Rev Jannie Mc Duling shared a short story and Bible scripture to the gathered elders.
Ward 36 Clr Wendy Morgan also presented Gabriel with a gift and a list of the eras he has lived through.
The residents and visitors enjoyed snacks and two cakes for Gabriel’s birthday thereafter.
Gabriel attributed his long life to the grace of God.
Ani thanked Reef Caterers for their assistance, Pick n Pay and Fleur for the Cakes, SPAR for the hotdog rolls, the Sweeter Shop for all the cool drinks and all the residents who made Gabriel’s day special.
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Marietta Lombard (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, or (Journalists) Busi Vilakazi busiv@caxton.co.za , and Lebogang Sekgwama lebogangs@caxton.co.za.
