South African Woman Celebrates 110th Birthday With Grace

A World War II messenger who survived locust plagues and decades of change just celebrated her 110th birthday in South Africa, and she's still determined to do things her own way.

Violet Ramadimetsa reached this extraordinary milestone on April 12, living more than 40 years beyond South Africa's average life expectancy for women. Born in 1916 in Bohom village, Limpopo, she has witnessed a century of history firsthand.

During World War II, Ramadimetsa served as a foot soldier, running messages between command posts under heavy fire. "I hid them under my clothes. It was dangerous, but we had to do it," she recalls. She also survived a devastating locust invasion that destroyed crops, forcing her community to forage for any edible plants they could find.

Her secret to longevity? A simple, natural diet free from salt, oil, and spices. "We ate raw food fresh from the ground: raw tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, beetroot, and lots of greens," she explains. She still prefers plain meals and warm water with a bit of sugar.

Even at 110, Ramadimetsa insists on maintaining her independence. She refuses a wheelchair, preferring walking sticks so she can stretch her back. Personal hygiene remains her top priority, and she handles it herself whenever possible.

Her daughter, Elsie Maluleka, brought Ramadimetsa to live with her in Hammanskraal earlier this year after safety concerns in Limpopo. The move wasn't easy for someone who lived independently for decades after her husband's death in 1975.

Now Maluleka faces a painful reality: her mother's hearing loss has made communication difficult. "She used to be very talkative, always sharing stories," Maluleka says. "Now people get frustrated and raise their voices when she can't hear."

Sunny's Take

Maluleka bought her mother her first birthday cake ever and is appealing to local businesses for help providing hearing aids and better walking supports. "I know she is old, but I am not ready to lose her," she says.

The City of Tshwane has offered to send a social worker for assessment, though they don't directly provide assistive devices. The family is exploring options through local nonprofits and health clinics that offer rehabilitation services.

Ramadimetsa's story reminds us that dignity and independence matter at every age, and sometimes small tools can make an enormous difference in quality of life.