On 27 August 2024, Susanna Franzina Apolles, affectionately known as “Grandma,” celebrated her 100th birthday in Ottery, Cape Town.

Her life serves as a foundation for her family and the Lansdowne Moravian church community in Cape Town, embodying a dedicated individual with a lifelong commitment to education, her family, and her community.

Born in Mamre in 1924 during the Second World War, “Ouma Apolles” grew up amid the escalating tensions of the apartheid era. She later relocated to Lansdowne, where she became a member of the Moravian Church and raised her children within its ministry.

The second-youngest of six siblings, Apolles was nurtured in a family that prioritised education and community service.

The mother of nine children, including two sets of twin, and today proudly boasts 27 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, attributing her remarkable milestone to God.

Her early years were marked by a rebellious spirit and a longing to explore the world, a dream she fulfilled by travelling across Europe, North America and beyond.

Apolles began her teaching journey in the rural town of Burgersdorp, where her ability to inspire youth distinguished her as an exceptional educator.

Her passion for working with children led her to create a lasting legacy at Spangenberg, Myhof and Blouvlei Primary Schools as well as within the communities she served.

Apolles was among the first women elected to the Lansdowne Moravian Church Council and also held the position of chairperson of the Women’s Association.

While teaching at Blouvlei Primary, she impressed an inspector with her teaching abilities, leading to her recommendation for a role in remedial education. This marked the beginning of her enduring passion for helping children thrive academically.

Weskus Nuus enquired about Apolles’ secret to reaching such a milestone. Her simple yet profound advice for turning 100 is: “Love the Lord with all your heart and trust in Him, acknowledging Him in all your ways.”

Apolles’ life is a glowing testament to the strength of faith, family, and community.

To those who know her she is more than just a centenarian; she is a living legacy, a woman whose life has impacted many, and whose wisdom continues to inspire.

“We are truly blessed to have her with us as a mother and grandma, who taught us that if one puts God first you can achieve anything,” her daughter Marenda Michaels said.