The Germiston Association for the Aged (GAFA) celebrated the 100th birthday of resident Joey Cornelisse on October 26.

Cornelisse marked the milestone surrounded by family and fellow residents at the home.

Born on October 26, 1926, on a farm in the Magaliesburg region, she celebrated with her remaining son Bertus Cornelisse (68), his wife Hannetjie, and granddaughter Mariska Diamond.

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Just days before, on October 24, fellow resident Pop Saaiman celebrated her 99th birthday at the facility.

A life of family and resilience

Speaking to the Germiston City News, Bertus said his mother was married in 1948 and moved frequently due to his father’s work.
“She moved to the home two years ago. She spent a long time in Namibia with my father. My father was working in the railways,” he said.

“Because back in those days they [goverment/employeers] moved people around, my father moved to Upington, Germiston amongst other places. After my father retired in 1980, he lived in Parys and they relocated back to Germiston, Elsburg, where he died.”

The couple eventually settled in Elsburg. Bertus, who stays in Rondebult, has one daughter.

“My mother had 12 brothers and sisters and she is the only one left,” he said.

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“I am 68 years old and it was just me and my brother who passed away in 2016 when he was 72. My mother was a housewife, she loved cooking, beef stew, baking and sewing. She lived a healthy life as well, I have never seen her smoke or drink alcohol. She always took a small portion of food.”

He added that due to her age, her hearing and eyesight are declining.

“Now because of age she is deaf and her eyesight is depleting. Seeing her at this age makes me scared that one day I too would sit at an old age home. I have my home for 44 years and have been married for 42 years. I am busy with gardening and enjoying my space. I am also blessed with one granddaughter.”

Bertus said his parents were strict, which shaped him and his brother.

“Me and my brother were close but he always travelled away. My parents were strict and that shaped us. After matric I went to the army for two years,” he said.

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“My father always encouraged us to do more. After I started my apprenticeship, I was an artisan for four years, I was promoted to being a tutor and then supervisor. I worked for Transnet for 25 years and then went into business and worked for 15 years for Eskom doing electro-mechanics.”

GAFA is dedicated to maintaining excellence in structured and organised care for seniors at every stage of life, offering a comprehensive service to those in need while meeting the specific requirements of specialised groups.

Granddaughter Diamond said her fondest memories are of visiting her grandmother as a child.

“When I would visit as a young child, she would let me choose what I want to eat. She would make it just how I wanted it. My grandmother has been instrumental, I have seen her mature and grow old with grace. She likes working with her hands and I learned how to do sewing from her,” she said.

“We wish Joey more years and wellness.”