Nelsville resident celebrates a century
Wilhelmina Helena Naude, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday, advises young people that fearing God and living a healthy lifestyle are the key to living long.
It seems Mpumalanga is the province to be if you want to live long.
In the wake of the recent 100th birthday of Malele Amon Ntimba, a Nelsville resident, Wilhelmina Helena Naude, also celebrated this milestone birthday of hers in style with her family and friends on Saturday February 17.
A dazzling gala dinner was hosted in White River, and her family and guests from Dubai, Australia, Atlanta in the US, Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pietermaritzburg joined their Mbombela peers.
According to her youngest son, Aston, the dinner was only a part of the celebrations planned for the rest of the month. She will celebrate this milestone birthday with friends, family and the community at various events.
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On February 5, her birthday, she had a tea party with her children at her home in Nelsville. As the guests arrived at the gala venue at Anew Resort, as a salute to Ouma Mona, 11 white balloons were released by her children. Tributes and messages were delivered by a son, a grandchild and two great-grandchildren. No expense was spared as this beloved family member was spoilt with gifts, love, laughter and joy.
Aston described his mother as a strong woman who always managed to unite the family and the community in which she was living. “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.”
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She married her husband on March 1, 1947. Together, they served the community and the house of the Lord. They fostered 10 less privileged children and also had another 10 of their own. The Naude couple 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, Wilhelmina would serve more than 25 plates of food.
The couple were honoured for their commitment and contribution towards building the Lowveld community by Hans Bornman in his book Pioneers of the Lowveld.
Wilhelmina spent her younger years as a dressmaker, sewing clothes for baptisms, confirmations, matric balls, gala wear and wedding dresses. Everyone knows her as a people’s person; humble, soft-spoken, kind and patient. Today, she is a mother, a grandmother of 32 and a great-grandmother of 49, and already has one great-great-grandchild.
In response, it was made abundantly clear why God had saved her for so long as she thanked Him and said, “It was not by my wisdom, but the grace of God that kept me. I am grateful that I have managed to live so long to even see my great-great-grandchildren, and the fact I can still so my daily work is a bonus. My advice to the young people is to fear God and always do what is right, and God will reward you,” she said; the same advice Mpumalanga’s other centenarian, Ntimba, recently shared with Lowvelder.
