Johanna Zeeman

Very few of us are likely to live to the age of 100, nor can many of us brag about a relative or ancestor who has reached their centenary.With modern lifestyles of awareness of health and exercise people are generally living longer with less disabilities or mental illnesses.

Good record keeping is imperative for us to verify the correct dates of birth and ages of our ancestors to prove that they are indeed the aged stipulated on either their death certificates or on their birth certificates. One of these wonderful centenarians is Johanna Maria Francina Zeeman, born Oostendorp, who turned 100 years old on the 10th January 2007.

Johanna is no ordinary lady, and after marrying William Benjamin Zeeman in St. Paul’s Church, Cape Town, in 1927, she was one of the first to apply for her own home through the “Sunnyside Housing Project” in Athlone. The loan was approved that same year, and to this day the family still live a few metres away from the original home, in Denchworth Road, Athlone.

Johanna was widowed in May 1950, when Benjamin took ill and died. She was left penniless with 7 children to raise, and now had to take over the role of father and breadwinner. Johanna never remarried. For 47 years she has cared for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren and has outlived 4 of the 7 children. Ma Zeeman has 21 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-great-grandchild. At one of her 100th Birthday Celebrations at the Vineyard Hotel, which I was privileged enough to attend, Johanna sung a lullaby over the microphone to her 200 invited guests.

The first home in Sunnyside began as the meeting place and founding building for the Baptist Church in Athlone. Johanna and her family are still active members of the Baptist Church.

From the Team at Ancestry24 – we wish Ma Zeeman many more years of health and happiness.

If anyone is related to this family or can help contribute any information the family would be very grateful. Please email [email protected]

Image Captions – from top to bottom:
1. Ma Zeeman on her 100th Birthday with life-long friend, Mr Billie Volkwyn, Deacon of the  Baptist Church in Athlone
2. Granny Zeeman, on the right-hand side, with two girlfriends. Circa 1942.
3. Granma Zeeman with children Myrtle and Basil

Descendants of Marthinus Jacobus Oostendorp

Generation No. 1
1. MARTHINUS JACOBUS OOSTENDORP was born Abt. 1852, and died 17 Sep 1920.
Child of MARTHINUS JACOBUS OOSTENDORP is:
2. i. MARTHINUS JOHN THOMAS OOSTENDORP, b. 12 Nov 1879, Cape Province; d. 02 Apr 1942, 22 Denchworth Road, Gleemoor Township, Athlone.

Generation No. 2
2. MARTHINUS JOHN THOMAS OOSTENDORP (MARTHINUS JACOBUS) was born 12 Nov 1879 in Cape Province, and died 02 Apr 1942 in 22 Denchworth Road, Gleemoor Township, Athlone. He married SOPHIA GEORGINA KENSLEY 12 Nov 1899 in Roman Catholic Church Cape Town. She was born 28 May 1880 in Saldanah, and died 11 Aug 1953 in 22 Denchworth Road, Gleemoor, Athlone.
More About MARTHINUS JOHN THOMAS OOSTENDORP:
Burial: Gate 9 Maitland Cemetery
Notes for SOPHIA GEORGINA KENSLEY:
Georgina and Marthinus were married in community of property
More About SOPHIA GEORGINA KENSLEY:
Burial: Gate 9 Maitland Cemetery
More About MARTHINUS OOSTENDORP and SOPHIA KENSLEY:
Marriage: 12 Nov 1899, Roman Catholic Church Cape Town
Children of MARTHINUS OOSTENDORP and SOPHIA KENSLEY are:
i. JAN MARTHINUS OOSTENDORP, b. 20 Feb 1901.
ii. THOMAS MARTHINUS OOSTENDORP, b. 09 Apr 1903.
iii. MARTHINUS WILLIAM OOSTENDORP, b. 13 Jan 1905.
3. iv. JOHANNA MARIA FRANCINA OOSTENDORP, b. 10 Jan 1907.
v. MAGDALENA JOSEPHINE OOSTENDORP, b. 08 Apr 1909.
vi. ELIZABETH GEORGINA OOSTENDORP, b. 26 May 1913; m. ? OOSTENDORP.
vii. GEORGINA CHRISTINA OOSTENDORP, b. 26 May 1916; d. 05 Jun 1916.
viii. GEORGE D EGAS OOSTENDORP, b. 1917.
ix. ROSE EILEEN MAGDALENE OOSTENDORP, b. 09 Jun 1917; m. ? ARENDSE.
x. ERNEST HENRY WILLIAM OOSTENDORP, b. 04 Nov 1919.
xi. ARTHUR OOSTENDORP, b. 20 Jul 1921.

Generation No. 3
3. JOHANNA MARIA FRANCINA OOSTENDORP (MARTHINUS JOHN THOMAS, MARTHINUS JACOBUS) was born 10 Jan 1907. She married WILLIAM BENJAMIN ZEEMAN 1927 in St. Paul ‘s Church, Cape Town. He was born Abt. Dec 1905, and died 02 May 1950 in Brooklyn Chest Hospital.
Notes for WILLIAM BENJAMIN ZEEMAN:
Last address:
97 Elizabeth Drive, Alicedale, Athlone
More About WILLIAM BENJAMIN ZEEMAN:
Occupation: labourer
More About WILLIAM ZEEMAN and JOHANNA OOSTENDORP:
Marriage: 1927, St. Paul ‘s Church, Cape Town
Children of JOHANNA OOSTENDORP and WILLIAM ZEEMAN are:
4. i. JOAN IRENE ZEEMAN, b. 10 Feb 1946.
ii. BASIL ZEEMAN
iii. MYRTLE ZEEMAN
iv. DEREK ZEEMAN
v. IVAN ZEEMAN
vi. BILLY ZEEMAN

Generation No. 4
4. JOAN IRENE ZEEMAN (JOHANNA MARIA FRANCINA OOSTENDORP, MARTHINUS JOHN THOMAS, MARTHINUS JACOBUS) was born 10 Feb 1946. She married BRIAN JOSEPH VAN DER BERG.
Children of JOAN ZEEMAN and BRIAN VAN DER BERG are:
i. GARY SHAUN VAN DER BERG
ii. SHAUN DERECK VAN DER BERG
5. iii. ASHLEY BRIAN VAN DER BERG, b. 17 Mar 1970.

Generation No. 5
5. ASHLEY BRIAN VAN DER BERG (JOAN IRENE ZEEMAN, JOHANNA MARIA FRANCINA OOSTENDOR, MARTHINUS JOHN THOMAS, MARTHINUS JACOBUS) was born 17 Mar 1970. He married VANESSA MANUEL.
Children of ASHLEY BERG and VANESSA MANUEL are:
i. ALANA ASHLEY VAN DER BERG, b. 17 Apr 1996.
ii. JENNA JOY VAN DER BERG, b. 07 Nov 1998.

Other Centenarians we have found:

Whilst browsing through the records of Ancestry24 – we also discovered these people who are reputed to have also made their 100th year:

Asuia Gedult of Rondebosch, buried 15 Jan 1892 aged 100 years. Parish, St. Paul ‘s Rondebosch

Magdalena T? of Clanwilliam, baptised 03 Oct 1906 aged 100 years by Rev. W. Griffiths at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, Clanwilliam

Anna Magdalena Barbara Zeederberg, born Coventry on 12 Jul 1855 and died 09 Apr 1955, wife of Roelof Abraham ZEEDERBERG. Aged 100 years. Buried at St. Peters Observatory

Denia May, female, died 31 Aug 1851, aged 100 years at Mowbray. Source: Government Gazette – 04 September 1851

100 YEARS OLD TODAY. Puler, Michael. Father of Evelyn and Manfred. Grandfather of Marlene, Andrea, Vananthia, Karen, Nicola and Mitchell. Great grandfather of twelve. Your compassion, tolerance and sense of social responsibility has hopefully influenced all of us. We look forward to the next century. Source: 14 November, 2005 Natal Witness
100 YEARS TODAY! AUDREY MARE We wish our aunt a wonderful day on such a special birthday. Love from Desmond and Patsy. Source: 20 Aug 2005 Natal Witness

NICHOL Helen Helston 9.8.1872 (aged 100 years in 1972). Former Vice-Principal of Johannesburg Girls’ High School. Source: Cornish Settlers to the Cape by Graham Dickason

ARCHIBALD Mary Wright: Miss Archie, died peacefully on the 6th of February 2006 aged 100 years and 45 days. The celebration of her life and resurrection will take place at the Somerset West United Church , corner of Andries Pretorius and Bright Street @ 15h00 on Monday the 13th of February 2006. Donations in lieu of flowers to the Child Welfare Society, P.O. Box 650, Somerset West, 7129. Donations will also be received at the Church Service. Doves, Somerset-West. Tel. 021-8521546 Member of the N.F.D.A. Source: Helderpos 10 Feb 2006

D’ASSONVILLE Mrs. ALETTA FREDRIEKA, was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Terblanche (Miss Margaretha Veldtman) both descendants of the Huguenots who came to South Africa in 1688. She was married to the late Monsieur Henri Emile D’Assonville, who landed in Port Elizabeth in 1859, starting business at Assegai Bosch, Humansdorp; in 1873 he went to France with his family and returned in 1874. Shortly before coming to South Africa the first time he saw service in India and it was while on active service that he took part in the relief of Lucknow. He died in 1908. His father served in the gallant “Charge of the Light Brigade” (Crimean War) as General d’Assonville; for his bravery there he was awarded the Cross of the Legion of Honour and a title. Mrs. d’Assonville was born at Hoffman’s Bosch in the Zitzikama, district Humansdorp, C.P., in 1834; married in 1864. Had five sons and three daughters. She enjoyed very good health, was very active and bore her age remarkably well; at the age of nearly 100 years she could still sew without glasses. Was well-known amongst the poor for her kindness to them. In her old age she lived with her youngest daughter in the Humansdorp District. An unfortunate fall made her helpless and she died at the ripe age of 101 years, five months. During her lifetime her chief interests were homecraft and gardening. Source: SA Womens Who’s who 1935

SHUTTLEWORTH, HONOR MARGARET The Memorial Service for Honor Margaret Shuttleworth will take place at 2 pm TUESDAY (28 February 2006) at Holy Trinity Church, Cross Road, Pietermaritzburg. Dearly beloved widow of the late Redvers James Shuttleworth formerly of “Santa Rosa” Oribi Flats. Dearly loved mother of Gerald, Margaret (Eudey) and Ian. Much loved by her in-laws, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, passed away peacefully at the age of 100 years on 25 February 2006. The burial will take place privately at the Marburg Cemetery Port Shepstone. In lieu of flowers family suggest donations to Marion Villa Frail Care, 282 Alexander Road, Pietermaritzburg, 3201.
Source: Natal witness 26 Feb 2006

Johan CHRISTIAAN van de Kust (Indier) born circa 1699, died Cape Town 1799 (100yrs) Source: SAG Genealogies Volume 1.

Magrieta Hendrieka KUIT * Steenwijk 11.8.1873 dood Vryheid 22.3.1959 getroud 17.9.1894 Gerrit BOONSTRA * Drachten, Nederland 1.8.1866 dood Vryheid 15.8.1966 (100yrs + 14 days) Source: SA Genealogies Volume 4

Moloko Temo celebrates her 132th birthday

Bochum.  The oldest woman in Limpopo and possibly also in the world turned 132 on Tuesday. Moloko Temo celebrated her 132nd birthday on Tuesday, and although she cannot see anymore, she enjoyed sticking her fingers into the icing on her birthday cake and licking it off.

Moloko Temo

 Tom Boya, chairperson of the Elderly People’s Forum in Limpopo said he had been trying since 2004 to have Temo registered in the Guinness World Records as the oldest woman in the world.

“I have sent several letters to their head office in London, but they ignored me. I don’t know what else to do to bring Temo’s remarkable age to their attention.” According to Temo’s identity document, she was born in 1874. The document was issued in 1988. Home affairs officials questioned her children to determine her age, and came to the conclusion that this must be her age.

Children don’t show respect

Temo has eight children, 29 grandchildren, 59 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. At her birthday party she whispered that it upset her that children did not listen to their parents anymore and didn’t have the kind of respect for them they should have.

Temo has been blind for the past 54 years and is presently wheelchair-bound, though healthy in every other way. She lives with her daughter, Evelen Temo, 78, who was apparently born when her mother was 54-years-old.

According to Boya, Moloko Temo had told him that she grew to such a great age because she used to play a lot of sport, especially hockey, when she was younger. It was her biggest wish to meet former president Nelson Mandela and President Thabo Mbeki.

Boya said the Elderly People’s Forum was established in 1996 in Limpopo. “At present we have 300 members and they are all 100 years old or older.”

He said a woman from Sekhukhune district was presently 126 years old. “Through this forum the residents of our province have learnt respect for the elderly. I believe fewer elderly people are being killed in witchcraft-related incidents as a result of our information campaign.”

According to the Guinness world records’ website, www.guinnessworldrecords.com, the world’s oldest man was a Japanese citizen. Shigechiyo Izumi was 120-years-old and was born in 1865. He died on February 21 1986 as a result of pneumonia.

According to the website, Maria Esther de Capovilla from Equador is the oldest woman still alive. She is 116-years-old and was born in 1889.

According to the website people rarely became older than 113 years. “Present indications are that nobody has ever celebrated their 123rd birthday.”

Source: Beeld 06/07/2006 – Marietie Louw, Beeld

Where do I find Marriage Records in South Africa?

The initial starting point to get a copy of a marriage certificate is:

• The Master of the High Court or the Church, Mosque or Synagogue where the marriage took place.
• The Department of Home Affairs and for older marriages the National Archives.
• Below is a list of Marriage records

• Cullinan Marriages
• St. Georges Cathedral Cape Town Marriages
• St. Georges Cathedral Military Marriages 1811 – 1829
• All Saints Somerset West Marriages
• Free State Marriages
• Grahamstown Cathedral Marriages
• Mixed marriage records
• Methodist Marriages
• Namaqualand Banns
• Namaqualand Marriages
• St. France’s Simon’s Town Grooms Index
• St. Francis Simon’s Town Brides Index
• St. Francis Simons Town Marriages
• St. John’s the Evangelist Marriages Cape Town 1853 – 1925
• St. Mary’s Barkly West Marriages
• St. Mary’s Cathdedral Johannesburg Marriages 1887 – 1895
• St. Mary’s Port Elizabeth Marriages
• St. Olav’s Marriages Durban 1890 – 1979
• St. Paul’s Rondebosch Marriages 1929 – 1955
• St. Peters Mossel Bay Marriages 1855 – 1879
• St. Stephen’s Marriages Paarl 1876 – 1909
• Swellendam Anglican Marriages 1850 – 1887
• Wynberg Methodist Baptisms 1836 – 1910

Department of Home Affairs

For these certificates you will need to apply+ to the Department of Home Affairs, the official holding office for South African  marriages. Applications should be lodged at your nearest Home Affairs office if applying from within South Africa. If living abroad, you should contact the nearest South African Embassy, Consulate or High Commission. Always request a full, unabridged vault copy. There is no public access at all to the marriages registers or indexes held at the Department of Home Affairs.

When contacting the Department of Home Affairs

Expect delays as they are very understaffed. Average waiting time is three months.
Take down the details of any official you deal with.
Supply an ID number for the person whose certificate you wish to obtain to speed up the process.
There is a charge of R45.00 per item.

National Archives

The National Archives is the custodian for marriage certificates on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs up to the early 1970′s. A closed period of 20 years is applicable for access to  Marriages records.

Below is a table for commencing dates for the registration of  marriages in the various old provinces:

These indexes and registers are heavy and cumbersome. You will first need to know exactly which magisterial district the event took place before you can request the index. These indexes are not made available electronically, but the Western Cape indexes can be searched on Ancestry24. The Home Affairs Western Cape Index (HAWC) is housed in the Cape Town Archives as are the Home Affairs Eastern (HAEC) and  Home Affairs Northern Cape (HANC).

How to search for marriage certificates in the Archives

As an example, if someone was married in Cape Town you will need to check places like Cape Town Central, Wynberg, Docks, Green Point, See Point, Woodstock, Observatory etc – all separate registers. To find the marriage certificate of an individual you will need to first consult the index to the marriages in the area in which it was registered, e.g. Worcester. The earliest reference number begins with 1/3/57/4/1 – which covers 1895 to June 1905.

Once you have got the register 1/3/57/4/1 you will need to look for the dates between 1895 – 1905 for that marriage registration.
The size of the initial index will depend on how many volumes of registers.
Some of these books are very large and the pages are difficult to photograph because of the size. They are on the top floor of the archives. First make sure you get your volume numbers correct before you attempt to order any of these books. Once ordered, be prepared for a very long wait.

Black marriages

Records of black marriages can be found under the Superintendent of Native Affairs in the Cape Town Archives covering the years 1877 – 1900.

Other resources

• Anglican Church Archives at the William Cullen Library at Wits
• Methodist Church Archives at the Cory Library at Rhodes University
• Catholic Archdiocese of Cape Town