Noordheuwel resident celebrates 100 years on earth

Many people in society have always needed guidance whether it’s in the form of a mentor in the workplace, or those who are close to your heart, such as a family member or friend.

But as they say, wisdom increases with age and Noordheuwel resident Kate Havenga, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday, has seen it all.

Kate was born on September 9, 1923, and has lived long enough to have witnessed the world reach significant milestones. The Krugersdorp News interviewed her to listen to the knowledge she has gained throughout her life.

From living through apartheid South Africa and the anxiety of World War II (of which her husband was part having done military service in Italy), all these events have shaped who she is today and to a certain extent, played a role in her longevity to life.

“I met my husband at the of 16 through a friend of mine. We were friends for years before he proposed to me. We then got married around my mid-twenties,” Kate said.

One of her most fond memories with her husband was when they used to travel to the South Coast of Durban every year to enjoy the fresh breeze of the province as well as witness the beautiful scenic routes that mother nature has to offer.

”It was one of the best experiences of my life. We went there every year to enjoy the sunlight and look at the animals at some of the nature reserves available – we love animals.”

For Kate, having to reach a century has been truly a blessing as she described it. She believes that the grace from God is what allowed her to live a long and illustrious life. She now appeals to the community to do the same.

“I read my Bible every day and I go to church every Sunday. God has been good to me and I would not have it any other way to have lived a happy and simple life,” Kate added.

Carina van Dyck, her granddaughter, shared the same sentiment about life and said how important it is to be close to your elders.

“It is by the grace of God that she has lived for as long as she has. We as her grandchildren are grateful to have her in our life because she is inspiring. It just shows you that by trusting in God and living a healthy life, you can reach this milestone. We appreciate her guidance because even at her age, she still offers so much,’ Carina said.

Kate hopes her story will inspire many people in the community and urges the community to never lose faith.