What was meant to be a joyful centenary celebration for Mrs Johanna Mathina Schoeman took an unexpected turn in early April when she fell from a chair, fracturing her hip just a week before her milestone birthday.
Mrs Schoeman had been eagerly preparing for the grand occasion, with more than 100 family members and friends expected to travel from across the country and abroad to honour her remarkable century of life. Instead, she was admitted to Netcare Pinehaven Hospital, where she underwent surgery the following day. After her initial recovery, she was transferred to a step-down facility for continued rehabilitation before returning home on Saturday, 18 April, walking with determined effort and the support of a mobility aid.
Although the planned birthday celebrations had to be cancelled due to her hospitalisation, family members who had already booked their trips still travelled to Johannesburg to visit their beloved matriarch at her bedside. A small but heartfelt family gathering, complete with bright balloons, birthday cake and homemade cupcakes, was held at the hospital on her special day.
According to her granddaughter, Chantelle Moorrees, Mrs Schoeman has lived a life defined by discipline, independence, and remarkable vitality.
“She has always been incredibly active and strong-willed. Even at 100, her spirit remains truly remarkable,” says Moorrees.
“She still takes her daily walks, loves gardening, and fondly recalls how much she used to enjoy tennis. She stopped playing tennis at 86 and only gave up bowls at 92, but even then, she never stopped moving.”
Moorrees adds that her grandmother’s mental acuity has always been as impressive as her physical resilience.
“She does her word puzzles every day without fail. It’s her routine, and it keeps her mind so sharp. She has this quiet determination about her. She just keeps going.”
Reflecting on her recent hospital experience, she expressed even greater heartfelt admiration.
“To see her go through surgery at 100 and still come out of it with such strength has been incredible. She doesn’t complain – not once. She just focuses on getting better. She’s been the heart of our family for generations.”
“She is also deeply loved by everyone around her. The fact that the family flew in from overseas and from across South Africa just to be with her, even for a brief hospital visit, says everything about the kind of person she is.”
Mrs Schoeman was raised in Grahamstown and later settled in Hartbeespoort. Two years ago, she relocated to Noordheuwel to live with her son and daughter-in-law, Leon and Winnie Schoeman, ensuring her safety and access to additional care. The devoted couple have remained a constant source of support throughout her recovery.
Shalima Maharaj, Hospital General Manager at Netcare Pinehaven Hospital, said the team was honoured to be part of such a significant milestone.
“At Netcare Pinehaven Hospital, we believe exceptional healthcare is built on trust, compassion, and lasting relationships, especially when it comes to caring for our elderly patients. It was an incredible honour to celebrate this very special milestone with Mrs Schoeman, who turned 100 in our care. She has been a patient of ours before, and it meant a great deal to welcome her back and continue walking alongside her on this journey.
“We are deeply grateful to her family for the trust they have placed in us, not just once but again, by choosing our hospital to care for their loved one at such an important stage of her life. This trust is something we never take for granted, and it inspires us to continually deliver care that is not only clinically excellent but also deeply compassionate and respectful.
“Caring for elderly patients requires a special level of dedication, patience and understanding. At Pinehaven, we are committed to ensuring that every patient feels valued, supported and treated with dignity at every stage. Celebrating 100 years of life is a rare and beautiful moment. To be part of that celebration, even in these unexpected circumstances, is a privilege that reminds us why we do what we do,” she added.
“Mrs Schoeman is recovering well, with minimal pain, and remains positive and determined to regain full mobility as she continues her rehabilitation journey,” Maharaj concludes.
Ends.
Notes to editors
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