The Douglas Murray Old Age Home in Retreat celebrated its 50th birthday on Thursday.
The home has the distinction of being the first of its kind on the Cape Flats.
It was the first facility for the old and frail specifically built for coloured mense.
With 70 residents currently, the oldest being 98-years-old, and 58 staff members, the residents were treated to a lekker birthday bash, complete with decorations, food and cake.
Donations were received from various companies, including Woolworths and Pick n Pay.
The oldest staff member, Anna “Nanna” Booysen, 69, has been working at the home for 41 years and carrying on a family tradition.
Both her mother and sister who have since passed away, also worked at the home.
Anna and a resident had the special task of blowing out the candles on the cake: “It has been 41 years and there are so many memories.
“I feel so blessed, we are all family here,” she said.
The home was established in 1968 and officially opened its doors in 1969.
Manager Fred Daniels said cost for the building came from a donation from the Douglas Murray Estate.
‘A FIRST’: Manager Fred Daniels. Picture: TRACEY ADAMS/AFRICAN NEWS AGENCY (ANA)
He says the home was started after a group of women saw the need for one in the coloured community.
“There were a group of women in Wynberg who saw the need for an old age home here,” Fred explains.
He says many old people who worked on the surrounding farms had nowhere to go after retirement and were being cared for by these women.
“Douglas Murray of Murray & Roberts Construction bequeathed part of his estate for the building of the home.
“It was the first one to be built right here in this community.”
In his speech, Keith Snyman, 76, the chairperson of the Douglas Murray Residents Association, shared his insights.
THANKFUL: Keith Snyman : Picture: TRACEY ADAMS/AFRICAN NEWS AGENCY (ANA)
“I have been here for 11 years and looking back there have been many that have passed away and I want to say thank you for this opportunity to be part of the celebration.
“Fifty years is a milestone.”
Fortune Davids, 82, and his wife, Christine, 84, enjoyed a stukkie birthday koek while listening to the tunes of Frank Sinatra.
genevieve.serra@inl.co.za