Celebrating 100 Years of Ma Davids: A Community Tribute
Georgina 'Ma' Davids from Rocklands celebrates a remarkable 100 years of life, faith, and family legacy.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Ms Davids, fondly known as Ma Davids, who turned 100 years old, was wheeled into the room to CeCe Winans’ Goodness of God, greeted by the warm smiles and cheers of her family and friends.
On Saturday, July 19, centenarian Georgina Davids from Rocklands celebrated her milestone birthday at Rocklands Baptist Church, where the Plainsman spoke to her about her life and memories spanning a full century.
“I am blessed. Thank you for sharing this day with me. This is such a blessed gathering,” she said, seated among loved ones who had come from near and far.
From left back are Ashley Potts, ward 81 councillor and Geordin Hill-Lewis, Mayor of Cape Town, in the middle left is her sister, Selena Wheeler and her daughters, Elizabeth Retief, Rita Scheffers and Monica van der Westhuizen. Ma Davids in front with her flowers from the Mayor on Saturday July 19.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Born at home in 1925 in Bo-Kaap, Ms Davids was delivered with the help of Nurse Stoffers—whose first name she doesn't recall, as nurses were only referred to by their surnames at the time. She lived through the forced removals and witnessed major shifts in Cape Town’s history. Ms Davids is the second eldest of six children, with only her and her youngest sister, Selena Wheeler, 86, still alive today.
She moved to Rocklands in 1980 and stayed with her daughter Rita for two years before relocating to Steenberg for 13 years. She eventually returned to Mitchell’s Plain. Ms Davids worked for Dr De Bruin in Westridge for over 15 years. She also does not recall her first name.
A natural musician, she began playing piano at age 9. She later taught children in Cape Town, played for both Nazarene and Baptist churches, and performed at concerts and crèches held in community halls.
From left is Rita Scheffers, daughter centurian and mother, Ma Davids, Elizabeth Retief, daughter and Monica van der Westhuizen, daughter at her celebration on Saturday July 19 at Rocklands Baptist Church.
Image: Marsha Bothma
She was married to the late Jack Davids, a fisherman who worked on trawler ships. He has since passed on. The couple raised five children. Two sons have passed, and she is survived by daughters Elizabeth Retief, 78, Rita Scheffers, 67, and Monica van der Westhuizen, 63.
Each morning, Ms Davids washes her face, brushes her teeth, and reads her Bible—still without her spectacles. Though she no longer does housework, she impresses her family by reciting school poems and stories from memory.
She thanked Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Ward 81 councillor Ashley Potts for attending her birthday celebration.
The mayor said she had reached an extraordinary milestone. “You are a member of an elite club. From every Capetonian—you are our collective mother and grandmother. We honour and respect you.”
Councillor Potts said, “Your life is a testimony. You’ve raised generations and continue to inspire us. May your wisdom carry on.”
Her daughter Rita said her mother was 13 when her own mother died. “Everyone suggested the children should be put in a home, but my grandfather refused. With the help of a great-aunt in Bellville, my mom helped raise her siblings. Her long life comes from that obedience and strength.”
Granddaughter Melissa, Askon, said, “I used to lie behind her back, and she would always pray for us. Her faith and love continue to guide our family.”
Pastor Cecil Pienaar, who grew up in the church with her, described her as a faithful woman who led choirs and played piano and keyboard. “Sy is 'n gunsgenoot van ons Vader—a saint.”
Ms Davids has nine grandchildren, two of whom have passed, seventeen great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. Her century of life is filled with lessons, faith, and legacy, passed down through every generation.