70 years and still going strong

“TRUE love isn’t Romeo and Juliet who died together…” as the saying goes, but ‘Ouma’ and ‘Oupa’ who grew old together.

Jacobus Moolman turned 90 on August 22 and, in absolute style, celebrated 70 years of wedded-bliss to his devoted wife, Anna, the very next day. Jacobus and Anna Moolman were married in 1946 in Mtunzini and recently celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary with friends and family in Vryheid.

The happy couple met in Gingindlovu while Jacobus was working for the roads department and Anna’s mother was doing his laundry. He was 21 and she was 20 at the time and their friendship blossomed into what became a lifelong romance. Anna, however, maintains that it was “love at first sight” as she casts a loving glance at her soulmate of the past seven decades.

Five children, 17 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren later, Jacobus and Anna Moolman are still happily married and can’t imagine life without each other.

Jackie Botes, who is engaged to Thys Moolman, one of the five children of Jacobus and Anna, was behind the organisation of the magnificent celebration, bringing the family together for a surprise party in honour of the couple and their lifelong love.

“To get all the brothers and sisters of Ouma Anna and Oupa Kobus was just amazing,” she smiles. “The look on their faces when they all arrived was such a wonderful moment. They really deserve this celebration.”

“Those two people are my life,” beams proud son, Thys. “My dad does everything for my mom. He’s such a great example to us.”

Granddaughter, Lyntell Botes, who is Thys’ daughter, looks lovingly at her grandparents, “It’s really an inspiration to the younger generation to see how my grandfather respects my Ouma and treats her. It sets such a good example for us…”

Perhaps ‘Ouma Anna’ and ‘Oupa Kobus’ are an inspiring reminder to the world that true love can last a lifetime.

If you haveany interesting stories please send them to: estella@caxton.co.za or Contact us on: 034 981 3930.

Also Find us on: Facebook, Twitter, and on WhatsApp 060 986 0731.