Norman Harvett (84)
Norman was born in Durban and what he misses most from his youth is his active lifestyle. He used to cycle from Krugersdorp to Rustenburg to keep in shape. His advice for today’s youth is to get up early, work hard, and not to be scared of chasing one’s dreams. As far as relationships are concerned, his advice is to never let the sun set on one’s anger - he remembers staying up till the early hours of the morning in order to resolve disagreements with his wife.
Theresa Peters (82)
Theresa was born in Durban and was an avid churchgoer in her younger days. She misses the days of attending church and mass, and especially the singing of hymns, which she enjoyed enormously. Her fondest memory is that of her relationship with her husband who supported her through thick and thin. Her life lesson to the youth is to have a kind heart and to be mindful of others.
Reinier Van Rooyen (91)
Reinier was born in Elliot where he rode his horse to school every day. Once he arrived, he and his school mates left their horses in an area at the back of the school where they could tend to their needs. He believes that every young person needs to have faith, and must entrust their whole life to it as it will provide one with hope and the power to live a full and healthy life. He further advises young people to enjoy what they to do, to commit themselves to it and to do it wholeheartedly.
Dolly De Vos (83)
Dolly was born in Scheizer-Reneke, where she recalls playing a lot of tennis with her friends. She became quite an accomplished tennis player and is still proud of the two trophies that she won in Jeffreys Bay in early adulthood. Till today, she misses her friends and their happy-go-lucky days on the tennis court. She believes that communication is of the greatest importance as is socialising with others, as one can learn something from each person you meet. She advises the youth to choose their life partners carefully as a good and loving partner will improve one’s life. She does not believe that she will remarry.
Johanna Singh (87)
Johanna was born in Warrenton and wishes for peace above all else in life. She misses the days where she had good eyesight and where she was active enough to do anything she her heart desired. She further misses the days where one could walk down the street safely, and worries about the levels of crime in the country. In order to overcome this, she encourages today’s youth to listen to their parents, and that faith in a higher power will guarantee one a long and prosperous life.
Petros Mgidi (82)
Petros was born in Bronkhorstspruit and spent much of his youth working on a farm. He misses those innocent days where he and his friends had stick-fighting contests and where they were able to be carefree children. He, however, claims to have been a bit of a workaholic in his later years and advocates discipline and determination. He and his wife had eight children and were never separated. He recommends a sober lifestyle and believes that the consumption of alcohol only leads to problems.
Sello Modise (89)
Sello was born in Ficksburg. He misses the simpler times in life - herding cows with his friends and catching birds to ‘braai’ in the veld. He is passionate about horses and yearns for the days when he and his friends could race their horses with abandon. His advice is to respect one’s elders, and to be home before sunset as he believes only bad things come from staying out late.
Nonia Magongua (90)
Nonia was born in Nigel and particularly misses the stories she’d heard during early childhood. She and her husband were blessed with five sons and two daughters and to this day, she has neither loved, nor been with another man. She advises the youth to look up to their elders and believes that respect to others is of the utmost importance, as without it, one will not prosper in life.