A 99-year-old former farmer from Kanondrift, Roossenekal, is back on his feet and preparing to celebrate his 100th birthday following life-saving emergency surgery.

When Hendrik ‘Hennie’ Janse van Rensburg woke up with severe stomach pain in June, his family feared he might never reach his milestone.

Just weeks later, the well-known former Middelburg resident is back on his feet, grateful for a second chance at life and looking forward to celebrating with family and friends on August 6.

Known to many simply as Oupa Hennie, the former farmer now lives with his son Erik and daughter-in-law Diana on a farm in Kanondrift near Roossenekal.

Even at 99, he was still living independently, doing his own shopping and preparing his own meals.

Stubborn farmer

“Like any stubborn farmer, he simply didn’t want to go to hospital,” Erik said with a smile.

But everything changed on June 3.

His family initially thought he was simply unwell, but on their way to Middelburg it became clear something was seriously wrong. By the time he reached the doctor, he was vomiting and severely dehydrated.

Despite several days of treatment, his condition worsened and he was admitted to Life Midmed Hospital’s intensive care unit on June 7.

The following day, Dr Zelda Henning informed the family that Oupa Hennie had a life-threatening bowel obstruction requiring emergency surgery.

Operating on a 99-year-old patient carried significant risks, and a specialist anaesthetist from Johannesburg had to assist.

About 40 minutes after surgery on June 8, the family received the news they had been praying for – the operation had been successful.

Patriarch makes miracle recovery

After only two days in high care and five more days recovering in hospital, Oupa Hennie was discharged. Just two weeks later, he was back on his feet – a recovery his family describes as ‘nothing short of a miracle’.

“This was more than a successful operation, our Oupa Hennie was given more time,” the family said in a joint statement.

“We were deeply touched by Henning’s genuine care for him,” “Her compassion meant more to us than words can express.” Erik said.

The family also thanked the nursing staff of Ward 6, as well as Rev Gerhard Wessels, Daleen Swart and her daughters, Magriet Botha and the many others whose encouragement helped keep Oupa Hennie fighting.

“The deep empathy and care we’ve been given is unheard of,” the family said.

On August 6, four generations of the Janse van Rensburg family will come together to celebrate the historic milestone.

“One hundred years of Oupa Hennie,”

“And what an incredible century it has been.” Diana said with a smile.