ARNOLD and Jenny Muscat, a Northdene couple who have known each other for almost their entire lives, are still deeply in love after 50 years of marriage.

The love birds grews up in the Umbilo area, where they attended the same primary school from Grade Three, then known as Standard One.

“We were both quite clever, but I was not very good at spelling. Whenever we had group activities, they would always catch me out on one particular word so that I could be eliminated and Jenny and her team could win,” Arnold recalled with a laugh.

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They started dating in 1973 and eventually tied the knot at Assumption Parish Catholic Church in Umbilo.

“Arnold was in the army at the time and was given three days to get married. We already had our first child by then,” said Jenny.

They are now parents to two children, grandparents to four and have one great grandchild.

Over the years, the couple have maintained their individuality, choosing to give each other space while sharing a love for many of the same things.

“We have never been the groupie type, and we are still very much our own people. We appreciate and love similar things, even though we give each other space and do our own things,” explained Arnold.

Jenny has a passion for gardening, and that passion is evident in the many plants and fruit trees around their home. Arnold, meanwhile, has always enjoyed chess and was once a formidable player.

“I was the schoolboy who won an adult tournament,” he said proudly.

Arnold has been part of the Firwood Sport Club where he played bowls. He has recently retired from the sport after 30 years of representing Port Natal at district level.

He was first selected for Port Natal in 1996 as player number 71. Arnie has represented the district with distinction across the Port Natal A, B, Veterans and Presidents sides.

Asked about the recipe for their long-lasting relationship, they said, “We knew everything about each other. We did not go and reinvent ourselves. We work well together, even though we are independent.”

One of the qualities Arnold admired most about Jenny was her maturity, particularly considering how young they were when they got married.

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“She is unique. She doesn’t come with airs and graces,” he said.

As their two children grew older, the couple decided to return to their studies and went on to earn their Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degrees, demonstrating their shared commitment to personal growth.

The Muscats have also remained in the same home over the years, admitting that they are not particularly fond of change.

Jenny once received a special award for her contribution to the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

“I was part of the local organising committee, and I was also involved in the logistics committee for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. I have always specialised in logistics. It was my job for many years. I am a people mover,” she said with a gentle smile.

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