For nearly 110 years, Nora de Kock could take her bag, step out of her house and go anywhere she liked.
But with South Africa under lockdown to help contain the Coronavirus, the centenarian is being confined to her home.
And Nora, who turns 110 next month, is wearing her mask and gloves and is asking Cape Flats residents to obey President Cyril Ramaphosa’s orders to stay inside.
Since the country went into lockdown on 26 March, Nora has been unable to go for her daily walks to church and the shops.
She stays inside her home in Sarepta, Kalkfontein, and only takes the few steps to her front gate for some fresh air.
Nora only takes the few steps to her front gate for some fresh air. Video: Genevieve Serra
The adjustment is big for Nora, because despite being more than a century old, she is feisty and independent.
At the age of 104, Nora was still living on her own.
Today, she is still able to cook, clean and do her own laundry.
The Daily Voice visited Nora to find out how she is coping with the lockdown ahead of her milestone 110th birthday on 12 May.
She says her granddaughter had carefully explained to her that she is not allowed to leave the house, to wear her mask when she goes outside, and to regularly wash her hands.
“I know that I cannot walk around anymore,” the golden oldie explains.
“I only walk to the gate to get fresh air.
“When there was no lockdown, I would walk to church if there was no one with a car available to fetch me.
“I would also walk to my friend Carol van Wyk’s home.”
UNABLE TO GOOI A PARTY: Nora with pal Carol van Wyk
Nora says she remembers the day Ramaphosa came to visit her at home a few years ago, when he was still deputy president, and is now appealing to people to stay inside to help fight the deadly virus that has claimed over 70 000 lives globally.
“He came inside and sat on a crate inside my home and asked how I was doing,” she says.
“Now I want to say to everyone, do not disrespect our president.
“Stay at home and listen to him. I am watching how children and adults are still carrying on with their lives and not staying home.”
Nora appeals to mense to obey lockdown rules. Video: Genevieve Serra
Carol, who has been arranging Nora’s birthday parties for years, says they are unable to make plans for next month due to the lockdown, but will definitely gooi a bash once things return to normal.
“We want to have a big party for her in a hall when this is all over,” she adds.
If you would like to assist, please contact Carol on 063 230 1001
.