Margaret Maritz, a remarkable woman from Touws River, just turned 118, making her a national treasure and a living link to over a century of incredible human history.
Western Cape, South Africa (29 September 2024) – South Africans are known for their resilience, vibrant culture, and unique achievements across the globe. From sporting triumphs to ground-breaking innovations, the country has produced champions in countless fields. And now, South Africa can add yet another extraordinary accomplishment to the list—housing one of the oldest people in the world.
On Friday, September 27, 2024, Margaret Maritz celebrated her 118th birthday, marking a milestone that places her among the rarest of the rare: the world’s supercentenarians.
Margaret, a remarkable woman born on September 27, 1906, has lived through over a century of incredible history. From her home in the small town of Touws River, located about 180 kilometres from Cape Town, Margaret has seen the world evolve in ways most can only read about in history books. According to her identity documents, which place her as the world’s oldest person, Margaret has lived through 118 years of world-shifting events.
While the document hasn’t been independently verified yet, if it holds up, it would mean that Margaret could become the official record-holder, overtaking Japan’s Tomiko Itooka, who was born in 1908 and currently holds the title of the oldest living person at 116. Whether or not the title is made official, there’s no denying the significance of this extraordinary milestone for Margaret, her family, and South Africa as a whole.
To appreciate the magnitude of Margaret’s life, consider this: she was born when the world was still being shaped by horse-drawn carriages. Her lifetime spans from the reign of King Edward VII to seeing humanity land on the moon and beyond. She has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, two world wars, the Great Depression, the end of apartheid, and South Africa’s rise as a democratic nation.
Her story is not just one of longevity but also of wisdom and simplicity. She is described as a woman who lived by the principle of respecting one’s parents and living a clean life.
“She talks about her life as a young woman, saying you must respect your mother and your father. She didn’t drink, she didn’t smoke,” shared Gregory Elroy Adams, a senior nurse at the care home where Margaret currently resides.
Celebrating with two of her 14 children, Liza Daniels (67) and others, Margaret blew out the candle on a large pink birthday cake, surrounded by love and admiration.
Liza expressed her gratitude, saying, “We must be grateful. I don’t know if I will reach that age one day. But for me, it’s a very, very big privilege to have a mother that reaches this age.”
Her life reminds us that every day is a gift and every moment a chance to embrace the people and experiences that make life rich. Though Guinness World Records lists Jeanne Calment of France, who passed at 122 years and 164 days, as the oldest verified person ever, and South Africa’s records show (though not confirmed as authentic by authorities) that Johanna Mazibuko, who passed away in March 2023, just two months before turning 129, is the oldest human in history, Margaret’s celebration adds a new chapter to South Africa’s legacy of incredible lives well-lived.
The true magic of this story lies in the simple joys—a mother who has seen her children and grandchildren grow, a woman who has lived through the highs and lows of human history, and a life that continues to inspire those around her.
Happy Birthday, Margaret! Here’s to many more happy and healthy days ahead!
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