55 years on, love keeps Nel couple strong

Known affectionately throughout the community as ‘Ouma’ and ‘Oupa’, Johan and Anita Nel are celebrating an extraordinary milestone on March 27: 55 years of marriage.

The day is even more special as it is also Johan’s 79th birthday.

Johan, born on March 27, 1947, in Hartswater, North West, grew up in a large family of 17 siblings.

Today, only three remain, with Johan being the eldest. He is widely known in Pretoria North for his soft heart. Johan has built a reputation as someone who would give his last meal to someone in need, deeply affected by the suffering of others.

His wife, Anita, born on February 1, 1953, in Reivilo, North West, is equally admired for her strength and resilience.

The second of five children, she has endured immense personal loss, including the passing of siblings and the death of a brother who was awarded a posthumous Honoris Crux for bravery during the Angola border war as a member of 32 Battalion.

Their love story began in Bray, North West, where Johan worked as a temporary postmaster.

Anita, then a schoolgirl in Vryburg, caught his eye with her beauty and warm smile.

They married in Kimberley in 1971, on a rainy but joyful day filled with celebration.

Anita fondly recalls a whispered surprise from her mother during wedding photos, news that she was expecting Anita’s baby brother.

Their journey together has not been without heartbreak as the couple lost their firstborn daughter, Wilma, within 24 hours of her birth, a tragedy that left lasting pain, as Anita never had the chance to see her baby.

Their second child, Riana, was born under difficult circumstances, with Anita falling into a coma after severe blood loss. Johan cared for their newborn alone for a month.

Despite financial struggles and the loss of loved ones, they remained steadfast in their commitment to one another, grounded in faith, loyalty and communication – values they believe are the foundation of a lasting marriage.

The couple went on to raise two daughters, Riana and Hanli, and today their legacy extends to grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Family remains at the centre of their most cherished memories, including a special holiday to Margate, where their children saw the ocean for the first time.

In recent years, Anita has faced serious health challenges, including multiple heart attacks, a triple bypass, and a devastating stroke in 2020 that left her unable to speak or move.

During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Johan said he refused to leave her unattended at hospital, bringing her home and dedicating himself fully to her care.

“Through unwavering love, patience and faith, I helped her relearn how to speak, walk and perform daily tasks,” he said.

Their daughter, Hanli Lombard, with whom they have lived since 2019, describes their relationship as a rare example of true commitment.

“They have never left each other, no matter how hard things got. My children saw how my dad cared for my mom, even while he struggles with arthritis. That is what love is,” said Lombard.

She recalls a childhood filled with warmth, from road trips with her father to mornings where he brought coffee to bed, and a home always open to others.

She also remembers her father ensuring a dignified burial for a homeless man when no one else would.

“They are kind, humble people who never judge. My dad has the softest heart, and my mom has incredible strength.”

Now largely homebound due to health challenges, the couple no longer enjoys the simple outings they once shared and yet, their bond has only deepened over time.

As they celebrate 55 years together, both Johan and Anita express gratitude.

“We are blessed to have had so many years together,” they said.

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