Veldkos, God saw woman clock 110 years

MARTHA Afrikaner who turned 110 on Saturday attributed her longevity to veldkos and strict adherence to God’s way.

Afrikaner celebrated her birthday with friends and family and members of the community at a farm near Gibeon. She was born on 27 September 1905 at farm Bullsport in the Maltahohe district.

When asked what it takes to be a super-centenarian, Afrikaner responded in a clear voice saying: “God is the creator of age, and only He knows why He is still keeping me alive. I do not count my years, but they (children and grandchildren) count my years.”

Afrikaner credits her extreme long life to eating wild fruit and berries (veldkos), respect for her elders during her childhood years, and faith in God.

“During our time we lived off veldkos we harvested from the veld. We never went to bed hungry and did not steal from others either, because there was enough veldkos for us,” said Afrikaner, who spent most of her life on the farms in the Hardap region.

Afrikaner’s eldest daughter Elizabeth Klaasen is 83 years old and she had 11 children of which four are still alive.

“Our mother raised us with an iron fist and instilled discipline in us and respect for our elders. That is why God is also blessing us to live longer,” said another daughter of Afrikaner, Josephine Afrikaner, who is 76 years old.

Afrikaner’s granddaughter, Lentina Afrikaner, who currently looks after her, described her health as good, although she is confined to bed due to old age.

“Yes, sometimes she complains of body aches. But she does not suffer from ailments such as diabetes and high blood pressure,” said Lentina.

Lentina added that her granny is also still mentally fit, although at times she talks to herself.

“If she starts talking to herself, we only recite a prayer to calm her down,” she said.

Asked what it takes to look after a super-centenarian, Lentina replied: “ Sometimes it is difficult. At times they act like children and even want to fight you.”

She said her granny always preached to them to maintain peace and love within the family.

“When we told her that we are going to throw a birthday party for her, she responded that as long as we do it in peace and love, she is okay with it,” Lentina added.

luqman@namibian.com.na