South Africa has bid farewell to one of its oldest and most beloved citizens, Margaret Maritz, affectionately known as ‘Grandma Hundred’, who passed away at the remarkable age of 118.
Born on 27 September 1906, Maritz lived through a transformative era in global and South African history – surviving two world wars, apartheid, and witnessing the dawn of democracy.
Her extraordinary longevity and gentle spirit earned her national recognition and the affection of those who knew her.
Extended family
In her final years, ‘Grandma Hundred’ lived at the AFM Welfare Old Age Home in Touws River, where staff and fellow residents became her extended family.
“She was a very friendly, pleasant person,” said Eleanor, a staff member at AFM Welfare.
“She always smiled. The staff adored her. They cared a lot for her and they enjoyed working with her. She never complained about anything.”
Maritz passed away just two months short of her 119th birthday.
On her 118th birthday in 2024, she celebrated with a pink cake and two of her 14 children, while receiving birthday wishes from across the country.
A Life Remembered
Despite her long and inspiring life, Maritz did not have a funeral policy.
AFM Welfare has since launched a fundraising appeal to cover her funeral costs and honour her memory with the dignity she deserves.
“We want to give her the kind of send-off her life warrants,” the organisation said, encouraging South Africans to contribute whatever they can.
Margaret Maritz will be remembered not only for the length of her life but for the warmth, humility, and peace she brought to everyone around her.
According to the Guinness World Records website, the oldest verified person is French national Jeanne Calment, who died in August 1997 at the age of 122 years and 164 days.
“Several people have been claimed to be older than Jeanne, but there has never been enough evidence to authenticate them,” it says.
Post your condolences below, by …
Leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
