Nelsville woman to celebrate her 100th birthday
The birthday of the great-great-grandmother that will be celebrated during four separate events by family, friends and the community.
On February 5, Wilhelmina Helena Naude will celebrate her 100th birthday.
Wilhelmina grew up with her 11 siblings in Middelburg and later in Machadodorp. She has called Mbombela her home for the past 80 years.
Time does not drag for her. She can still carry out daily activities independently. Her mental ability is sound and she has meaningful conversations with friends and family. She still provides support and guidance to them, which is such a blessing, says Austin, her son.
Wilhelmina’s advice for aging gracefully is that you should look after your body when you are young, and then your body will look after you when you are old.
On March 1, 1947, she married Naude Naude. Together they served the community and the house of the Lord. They fostered 10 children and also had their own 10.
They played an active part in the community, providing refuge to anyone in need and assisting with counselling, financial aid and food. At any given day, she would serve more than 25 plates of food. The couple were honoured for their commitment and contribution to building up the Lowveld community by Hans Bornman in his book Pioneers of the Lowveld.
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Wilhelmina spent her younger years as a dressmaker, sewing clothes for baptisms, confirmations, matric balls, gala wear and wedding dresses.
She a people’s person – humble, soft-spoken, kind and patient. She is a mother, a grandmother of 32, a great-grandmother of 49, and a great-great-grandmother of one.She will celebrate this milestone birthday with friends, family and the community at various events. On February 5, she will have a tea party with her children at her home in Nelsville.
The community will celebrate her birthday on February 10 as she invites them to enjoy a meal with her. A blessing will be bestowed on her at the New Apostolic Church on February 11. The final celebration, that will be attended by her two surviving siblings, is a black-tie gala dinner that will take place at Anew Resort on February 17.
