Middelburg’s Oupa Hennie turns 100 after beating odds
Four generations of family gathered to celebrate the birthday with cake and cherished memories after Middelburg's Hennie Janse van Rensburg
Two months ago, the Janse van Rensburg family was worried that Hendrik “Hennie” Janse van Rensburg might not live to see his 100th birthday.
On Saturday, August 8, the recent worries were forgotten as Oupa Hennie sat surrounded by his family at Roasted Leaf Restaurant in Stoffberg, celebrating the birthday they had hoped he would reach.
ICU to 100
Known as Oupa Hennie, he turned 100 on Thursday, August 6.
A large cake with the number 100 stood in front of him as his children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter gathered around him for photographs.
granddaughter, Ancunel Steyn. Photo: Supplied.
The road to his 100th birthday was not easy.
In June, at the age of 99, Oupa Hennie became seriously ill and was admitted to Life MidMed Hospital with a bowel obstruction. He needed emergency surgery and spent time in the high-care unit before moving to a general ward to recover.
At the time, his family did not know whether he would make it to his next birthday.
But this granddad beat the odds.
Celebrating a century
Among those celebrating with him were his grandchildren, Hennie Janse van Rensburg and Ancunel Steyn, and his great-granddaughter, Anna Steyn.
During the birthday, the family looked back on Oupa Hennie’s 100 years and the many memories made along the way.
His son and daughter in-law, Erik and Diana Janse van Rensburg also used the opportunity to thank everyone who supported the family while Oupa Hennie was ill.
They thanked the doctors and nurses who cared for him, as well as friends and Middelburg residents who reached out to the family during the difficult time.
His century has included a lifetime of farming and hard work, family, friendships, difficult times and many happy memories. It now also includes a remarkable chapter of surviving the emergency surgery at 99, only to recover and celebrate his 100th birthday.
Oupa Hennie’s story may have started in Middelburg, but he touched the nation’s hearts with his remarkable journey.
And now, the man at the centre of it all is healthy, happy and, according to his family, still as stubborn as ever. Hip, hip, hooray to 100 years of Oupa Hennie!
