Celebrating a century: Freda Naidoo's inspiring journey to 100

Fairways grandmother, Freda Naidoo, celebrated her 100th birthday on Monday, January 12.

Ms Naidoo originally grew up in Piquetberg on the West Coast and moved to Cape Town in her early 20s, where she worked at a Long Street store that made fur coats.

When Ms Naidoo married her husband, George Naidoo, they lived with their family in Diep River before moving out of the area in the 1960s due to the Group Areas Act. 

Ms Naidoo and her family moved to Fairways, where they have lived for nearly 60 years. Her husband died at the age of 68. Together, they had two sons, Hilton and Frankie Naidoo, and three daughters, Charmain Aspeling, Elizabeth Fredericks, and Georgina Naidoo, who died 18 years ago.

Ms Naidoo also has six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. 

She enjoys hobbies such as gardening and cooking. When she was younger, she was involved with the African Gospel Mission church since 1976. She was an evangelist who preached to her congregation. She also toured with the church to spread the gospel to areas like Worcester, Malmesbury, Knysna, Mossel Bay, and George. 

Ms Naidoo is excited about reaching her 100th birthday milestone.

“I feel like I felt yesterday, I am full of energy, and I am ready for everybody who wants to see me,” she said.

She credits her strong faith for her long life.

“I have strong beliefs in God, and I am still going to live life to the fullest,” she said.

She shares her home with her son, Frankie, and her daughter, Ms Aspeling, who lives in a separate entrance on the property. She still enjoys going shopping.

She also has a smartphone and likes looking at pictures and videos that she receives from her family. 

Ms Aspeling said she is still trying to wrap her head around her mother turning 100.

“It's awesome and unbelievable, she is still very active, and she will still put us in our place, time and time again,” she said.

Find Southern Mail on TikTok or Instagram @ccmonline