Tech-savvy Durban great-grandmother celebrates 100th birthday at Tafta Park
Rosemary De Waal recently celebrated her 100th birthday at Tafta Park in Durban.
Image: Supplied
One of The Association for The Aged’s (Tafta) eldest residents, Rosemary De Waal recently celebrated her 100th birthday with her family, residents and staff at Tafta Park in Durban.
Tafta said the tech savvy De Waal was born in Durban in 1925 and grew up in her family’s Durban home with her four siblings.
Non-profit organisation Tafta said De Waal spent much of her career working as a secretary, but it was her artistic flair that earned her recognition beyond the workplace as she was a skilled cake decorator, seamstress, and mosaic artist.
Her novelty cakes gained her recognition as she became known for her intricate designs including cakes shaped as handbags, tennis courts, and grand pianos and she received awards at the Royal Show.
The matriarch of five generations, De Waal has seven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren living across the globe.
Described by her family as “fastidious, loyal, and determined,” she continues to approach each day with curiosity and enthusiasm. “She never stops learning,” said her daughter. “Even in her later years, she could out-talk tech salespeople.”
A resident of Tafta for several years, De Waal is now in the assisted living facility and has the support of caregivers and Nursing Services Manager, Sister Mala. “She is quietly strong and honest, and still values her independence,” said Sister Mala.
De Waal begins each morning with a fruit breakfast and her cherished cup of tea — and never misses a chance to chat with family on her iPad. Her family jokes that her longevity secret lies in her steadfast rule: “No water or coffee — only tea.”
To mark her centenary, Tafta hosted a small gathering in her honour, complete with tea, stories, and a cake sponsored by a generous donor.
“Every milestone is a community celebration,” said Tafta CEO, Femada Shamam. “Residents like Mrs. De Waal remind us of the importance of living with purpose and dignity at every age.”