By Karabo Ntanzi
Fepang Sechaba Soup kitchen, Tshwaraganang Development Center, Footprint of Hope and Elderly and Disability Center celebrated Mandela Day by hosting an intimate gathering for 107 years old Virginia “Selina” Montlenyane Mancwe and 104 years old Rose Veldman. The centenarians live a stone’s throw from one another and were domestic workers; however, they have never met.
Selina was born in Mokasa Village, Taung and is a mother of four. Three of her children have already passed on; 83-year old Anastasia Hatendi is her surviving daughter.
Although Selina was not aware of what day of the week it was, she remembered that she is a Catholic and fellowships at Sacred Heart of Jesus. She has not forgotten some of the priests and Bishops from her early days. The frail granny spoke fondly about her hay days when she worked at Paplaas Hotel and her love for wearing high heels, “They lift you high,” she chuckles, a statement attested by Gopolang Daniel Spencer, who grew up in the neighborhood.
Rose Veldman, whose birthday is on 23 June, lost her partner in 1981. The Veldmans had eight children, six passed on and only two are left, Susan Veldman and Maria Mabemba aged 69. Sonia Veldman, Susan’s daughter described Rose, her granny, as a workaholic. “She never sat still, was always up and about either cleaning the house, washing laundry, or going to the Full Gospel church,” said the caretaker.
The grannies and twelve friends received goody bags and cakes from the Department of Social Development and Population.
Unfortunately Rose Veldman pass on two weeks after this event and was buried on 7 August 2021. May Her Dear Soul Rest in Peace.
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