Cape Town - On May 12, Nora De Kock, possibly the oldest living woman in Cape Town, will be celebrating her 112th birthday but she needs help to make the day extra special.
Every year, Carol and Stanley Van Wyk have dedicated their lives to making De Kock’s birthday memorable. But last year, Stanley became unemployed during the Covid-19 Lockdown.
The couple are now appealing for members of the public to help place a smile on De Kock’s face, and 40 elderly persons who will be treated to brunch at a local hall in Sarepta.
De Kock suffered a stroke 21 years ago and buried her only brother, Hannes, nine years ago.
She was born on May 12, 1910 on a small farm in Paarl.
De Kock grabbed media attention when it emerged that she still lived on her own at the ripe old age of 104, and even walked to church.
De Kock is known by residents as being independent though her speech and hearing has deteriorated over the years, and she has begun complaining of pain in her hip and ankle.
Van Wyk said she had been De Kock’s neighbour for nearly a decade and had dedicated herself to making her birthday special.
“She will be celebrating her 112th birthday and ever since she turned 100 it has been my husband and myself and sponsors to make her day special and we always invite the elderly, especially those who are disadvantaged,” she said.
“Since last year my husband has been unemployed so we were not able to continue with our annual plans.
“We are hoping to host a brunch, which is breakfast and lunch with crumbed chicken, bacon and eggs, and juice and coffee and tea and the hiring of crockery and cutlery.
“I have already bought a few things out of my pocket such as flowers.
“We are hoping to invite forty people.
“Ouma (grandmother) and I have been neighbours living in the same street for 18 years.
“She moved to her daughter’s premises thereafter.
“She is doing well but has just been battling a bit with pain in her hip and foot but is still very independent and does her own cooking and cleaning inside her home.
“We are appealing to anyone who would like to make a donation.
“The event will take place at a hall at the Sarepta Soccer field which was sponsored, and the ward councillor, Wouter De Vos has donated 40 gift bags”
Stanley said any contribution would be appreciated: “We are appealing for sponsorship, unfortunately, I cannot contribute this year as I usually do, as we do this every year,” he said.
“We will really appreciate it and we are grateful for any donation.”
Beryl Rose, who assists the couple with the parties and knows Carol ( Van Wyk) as a dedicated community worker, said they had recognised her for her passion and love to help others.
“We the community knows that Ma De Kock’s birthday was always done via Carol and her husband's own finances but due to Covid-19 it won’t be possible this year, and we are appealing for assistance.
“Carol has so much passion for the community and we know that she will make the day special and she always gives it out of her own pocket.
* If you can assist please contact Van Wyk on 063 230 1001
Weekend Argus