The Lategan legacy in Sophiatown

Their love has weathered more than a half-century, and so has their home in Sophiatown.

Henrietta and Dennis Lategan of this historically and culturally rich suburb have lived there in their house for 50 years. It’s their legacy.

“In that time I’ve achieved a lot of riches,” Henrietta said proudly.

“I have two daughters, seven grandchildren and two great-grand children. My family are my riches, they are my treasures.” Their third great-grandchild is due in November this year.

The Lategan’s have fostered four generations in the half-century in their Sophiatown home. They were the first people to move into the house, Henrietta explained. “It was just after the Sophiatown removals. What happened there was so sad, but for us it was our first and last home in the suburb then renamed to Triomf. We were happy to be here.”

Dennis reminisced,“There were no houses here when we moved in, just veld. We could see the Newlands bus coming on Ontdekkers Road from the window back then. Things are different now. All our old neighbours have passed away.”

Still, they can’t imagine moving out or relocating to an old-age home, even though they admit age is creeping up on them.

Even more impressively, they’ve been married for 57 years last Saturday.

Henrietta says the secret to their long-standing marriage is hard work.

Dennis says it’s patience.

“Above all it’s working together,” both Lategans agreed.

Marriage wasn’t just a bed of roses, they admit. They had hard times. They worked through them.

“We’re different people,” Henrietta explained. “I love people. Dennis loves sport. He’s even finished 11 Comrades Marathons. But we have learned to love and respect each other’s interests.”

Henrietta is due in hospital on 18 June to have a cancerous growth in her throat removed. “I do hope the Lord spares me to see the birth of my next grandchild,” she said.