Aunty Martha (Matty) Davds celebrated her 100th birthday on Thursday at Huis Alleyne Communicare Home in Bishop Lavis.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane
An attractive man, a glass of red wine and a whole lot of love.
According to Martha "Aunty Matty" Davids, that is the secret to reaching the incredible age of 100.
The beloved centenarian celebrated her milestone birthday this week surrounded by the people she holds dearest, her children, grandchildren, friends and those who have become family over the years.
There were smiles, tears, laughter and countless hugs as loved ones gathered to honour a woman whose life has been defined by kindness, generosity and a love that has touched generations.
Aunty Martha (Matty) Davids standing with Reverend Glen Daries from St Joseph The Worker Anglican Church.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane
Sitting proudly among her family, Aunty Matty's eyes still light up when she speaks about the man who stole her heart all those years ago.
"I loved my husband like crazy," she said with a laugh, her face softening at the memory.
Born in Franschhoek on June 11, 1926, Aunty Matty's story stretches across an entire century of South African history.
She attended school until Standard Five before beginning work at a young age, spending her early years in Franschhoek and surrounding areas, including Beaufort West.
Life was not always easy, but she rarely speaks about hardship. Instead, she remembers the people she loved and the life she built.
At 16, she moved to Sea Point, and just a year later she met the man who would become the love of her life.
The couple married and raised five children together.
Even now, nearly a century later, it is love that remains at the centre of her story.
Asked what has kept her going for 100 years, Aunty Matty chuckled before delivering her now-famous answer.
"An attractive man and a glass of red wine."
But her daughter, 77-year-old Eileen Appie, believes her mother's real recipe for a long life runs far deeper.
"I think it is her kindness," Appie said.
"My mommy always gave. No matter who knocked on the door looking for help, she would share what she had. Even if it was the food from her own plate, she would give.
"She never turned people away."
Appie believes the goodness her mother poured into others throughout her life has come back to her many times over.
"I always say that she blessed people and God is blessing her."
Growing up, Appie said she never realised how much her mother sacrificed to ensure her children felt secure and loved.
"She worked so hard for us. Every now and then she would still find a way to give us a sweet treat or something special.
"The funny thing is I never knew when we were struggling. I never knew. She never allowed us to feel it. She made it seem like we always had enough."
For Appie, that was one of her mother's greatest gifts, creating a sense of abundance even during difficult times.
At Huis Alleyne, where Aunty Matty has lived for the past 40 years, she is equally cherished.
Sister Corrina Brown, who heads the Communicare facility, became emotional while speaking about the woman she describes as a second mother.
"This woman right here, I can only say thank you for gracing us with your presence," Brown said.
"I lost my own mother and she stepped into that space for me.
"She has been like a mother to me all these years."
Brown said Aunty Matty remains remarkably independent despite her age.
"At 100 she still bakes. She still cooks. She still wants to do things for herself.
"And in all the years she has been here, she has never given me problems. Not one.
"That speaks volumes about who she is."
Those who know her best say that while reaching 100 years old is extraordinary, what is even more remarkable is the way she has lived those years, with grace, humility and an open heart.
Among those paying tribute was Reverend Glen Daries from St Joseph The Worker Anglican Church.
Looking at the centenarian seated among her family, he reflected on the rarity of such a milestone.
"You don't hear of people reaching 100 anymore," he said.
"You read about it in the Bible.
"This woman sitting here today is a living testimony of what the Bible says.
"She is proof of the Gospel."