Celebration of 100th birthday for Sowadra Singh

WASBANK – Very few families are as fortunate to be part of five living generations.

The Singh family recently celebrated the estimated 100th birthday of Sowadra Singh.

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Born on the farm Omdraai in Wasbank, she was the eldest of five children. Instead of going to school, she had to take care of their home, farm and her siblings. Mrs Singh is illiterate and speaks predominantly Hindi, although she can speak limited English and isiZulu.

She married Devisingh Singh when she was 16 years old and relocated to Newcastle. The couple had eight children, five of whom are alive. She led a very simple life, caring for her family and serving the community as an active member of Hindu Parchani Sabha (HPS).

After her husband’s death in 1975, she regularly visits her children in Newcastle, Ladysmith, Pietermaritzburg, Greytown, Durban and Johannesburg.

Her calm, serene and easy-going demeanour and lifestyle resulted in her enjoying excellent health. She has only been hospitalised twice in all her 100 years. Her independence is admirable.

Mrs Singh has 19 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. Despite all the loss and hardships she faced during her life, she always has a smile on her face.

Also read: Happy 96th birthday Ouma Miemie!