Celebrating 99 years of grace
She began her career at the SABC and then worked as a personal assistant to the principal of Laerskool Witfield in Boksburg.
Duifie Brand, a resident at Springs Retirement Village, celebrated her 99th birthday on Saturday. Her family and friends got together to honour her and the difference she has made in people’s lives.
Duifie was born on May 8, 1925, in Bothaville, Free State. She was raised on a farm in Vaal River and attended high school in Potchefstroom.
She began her career at the SABC and then worked as a personal assistant to the principal of Laerskool Witfield in Boksburg.
She later worked as an assistant to the director of education for the East Rand in the Boksburg regional office.
She was happily married to Daan Brand for 36 years. He was the principal of a primary school. He died in 1986 and Duifie never remarried.
Instead, she focused on raising her children, Philip and Hannelie. She has three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
According to her son, Phillip Brand, Duifie is still in good health.
“She cannot see well, but she can hear and respond sharply and intellectually. We visit her frequently and she loves interacting with her three great-grandchildren,” Philip said.
Philip said that his mother is well taken care of at Springs Retirement Village.
“When we visit her, she frequently prays aloud to God for the blessing and protection of her offspring. Throughout her nearly century-long life, she has been an example of God’s goodness, grace and love.
“As a family, we strive to follow in her footsteps. She will forever leave a legacy for others to celebrate and follow,” he said.
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