This beautiful centenarian didn’t let the Coronavirus pandemic keep her from celebrating her milestone 100th birthday.
Ouma Mina September turned 100 on 10 April, during the middle of a national lockdown to help curb the spread of Covid-19.
Despite not having a big bash to mark her big day, her family says she is still upbeat and not concerned by Covid-19.
The Bellville-based granny was born in 1920 on the Freddy Fynhaal farm where she grew up as an only child.
In 1955, Ouma Mina married her husband with whom she had nine children.
She’s been a widow for the past 24 years, and has 30 grandchildren, 57 great-grandchildren and 24 great-great-grandchildren to keep her company.
UPBEAT: Mina September, 100, from Bellville
Ouma Mina is ‘n bietjie doof and her eyes have seen better days, but says she has a lifetime of experiences and doesn’t suffer from FOMO (fear of missing out).
She cannot recall the name of the sickness in her youth, or the year it occurred, but says: “The virus kept us inside, a lot of people died and people wore masks.
“This Corona isn’t anything different to the time we survived that virus many years ago, we know this fear, it reminds me of that time,” she says.
Ouma Mina believes the secret to her long life is abstaining from alcohol and cigarettes and the golden rule - “to honour your parents and your days on earth will be lengthy”.
“I was also part of the UDF in my early years, I was part of the Sisters Choir in the church where I was active.”
JOL: Vernon, Mina’s son
She also has a healthy appetite and says: “I love my vegetables and eating healthy, but also like my traditional custard and sago pudding.”
Her youngest son Vernon September, 55, says they will have a big jol after the lockdown.
“Unfortunately we could only have a small gathering on her birthday, but after lockdown, we’ll host a big bash,” Vernon says.