SOMERSET WEST – There are birthdays, and then there are milestones that deserve a standing ovation. This year the family of Somerset West resident Jeanette Giliam again celebrated yet another milestone with her, this time her 106th birthday.
Fondly known as “Ganna”, she was born on 29 February 1920, a leap-year baby. She has lived through more than a century of extraordinary change and progress. From the roaring ’20s to the digital age, her life has spanned generations and she has remained a quiet example of resilience, grace and strength.
Every year since her 100th birthday DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette has proudly celebrated her remarkable journey. It has become a cherished tradition, one we continue as she reaches this incredible 106th milestone. Ganna continues to inspire those around her with her gentle spirit and enduring presence. Her life is not only a testament to longevity, but also to the power of love, family and community of the passing years. The Helderberg’s favourite community newspaper wishes her a year of comfort, good health and joie de vivre.





