Sindane to celebrate the big 100
Mr Jonas Sindane is one of the oldest citizens in Mpumalanga and he is still strong.
According to his grandson, Bheki Sindane, his grandfather was born on April 12 in 1914 at Arbor near Delmas.
He started working at nearby farms and proceeded to work for Congo Textiles in Benoni from 1948 to 1973. In 1977 he was expelled from the farm he was working at and together with his family they moved to a farm owned by Mr Abram Duvenage.
He worked there until he was pensioned in 1992; he is presently still staying on that farm in Kendal with his family.
“He will be turning 100 years on April 12 and his family will host a mega party for him. He has never drunk alcohol or smoked. He is still strong and active and drives his bakkie,” explained Bheki.
Sindane has seven children, 35 grandchildren and 57 great grandchildren. He spends some of his time looking after his small business and reading the Bible.
In 1977 a farmer tried to evict him from the farm but he refused and the case was taken to Pretoria High Court where Sindane eventually won. The same farm, according to Bheki, has been brought by a mining company, which tried to offer him 10 hectares of land but he also refused, demanding the whole farm. The matter is still pending in high court again.
“I thank God for his mercy because it is very rare for one to reach 100 years. We will be throwing the biggest party for grandpa in September because we are full of joy. I would also like to thank Mkhulu for raising me as his own child after my father was killed in 1977, God is great,” added Bheki.
