East couple celebrate 73 years of marriage, love, and commitment
From meeting at a jukskei tournament to celebrating 73 years together, Die Wilgers couple Kosie and Rita Snyman continue inspiring others with their enduring love story.
Andries Jacobus ‘Kosie’ Snyman (97) and Magrietha Elizabeth ‘Rita’ Snyman (94) recently celebrated an extraordinary milestone – 73 years of marriage for the couple, and Rita’s 94th birthday.
The couple live in the east of Pretoria in Die Wilgers and exchanged vows on July 25, 1953, in Boksburg.
More than seven decades later, they still share their lives, memories and daily conversations about the news.
According to the couple, their love story began when they met at an interprovincial jukskei tournament in Kroonstad.
That chance meeting eventually led to a marriage that has spanned 73 years, four children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Over the years, the family has shared many joyful moments, but they have also experienced profound sorrow following the passing of their youngest son several years ago.
Kosie said through it all, their faith, family and commitment to one another have remained at the centre of their lives.
He said they have long been actively involved in their community and they are members of the Dutch Reformed Church.
Kosie said they have always enjoyed an active lifestyle and continue to share a keen interest in sport.
“Tennis, cricket and rugby have always been among our favourites, and I still follow sport and the latest news with great interest,” he said.
Kosie said at home he enjoys caring for the
At home, Kosie enjoys caring for the family’s koi pond, while Rita remains well informed about current affairs and keeps a close eye on the ever-rising cost of food.
“At an old age like this we still enjoy watching the news, staying informed, sharing our opinions and sometimes disagree, but over the years we have learnt that it is possible to disagree respectfully.”
Kosie said the secret to a 73-year marriage is simple and unwavering: ‘perseverance’.
“It is a small word that captures a lifetime of our love, resilience, faith, compromise and standing together.”
He said another tip for a healthy long marriage is open communication, mutual respect, and constant compromise.
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