- In South Africa, one woman is redefining what it means to age gracefully, inspiring countless others with her remarkable life story.
- Margaret Maritz, a resident of the Western Cape, recently celebrated a birthday that puts her among the oldest people in the world, and it's a story worth sharing.
- At an age that rivals the world's most celebrated centenarians, Margaret Maritz stands as a testament to a life well-lived, drawing comparisons to Japan's own legendary centenarian.
Let me tell you about Margaret Maritz, a woman who lives about 180 kilometers from Cape Town. Her recent birthday wasn’t just any celebration—it was a milestone marking yet another year in the life of one of the world’s oldest people. Margaret’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and her story is inspiring people across the globe.

Margaret Maritz, a resident of Touws River, has been making headlines as her age draws comparisons to some of the oldest people on the planet. Her longevity rivals that of Japan’s Tomiko Itooka, who is recognized as the world’s oldest living person. It’s not every day you meet someone who’s lived through so much history and still has a story to tell.
How Did Margaret Maritz Reach 118?
According to reports from eNCA, Margaret Maritz recently turned 118 years old. Her identity document, though yet to be independently verified, indicates she was born on September 27, 1906. If confirmed, this would make her older than Japan’s Tomiko Itooka, who was born in 1908 and currently holds the title of the world’s oldest living person according to the Gerontology Research Group. This isn’t the first time South Africa has celebrated such a remarkable life—Briefly News even reported on another centenarian who reached 115 years old back in 2020.
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Now, you might be wondering: What’s the secret to living this long? Well, a nurse who cares for Margaret shared some insights into her life. She talked about how Margaret often reflects on her younger days, emphasizing the importance of respecting one’s parents. “She didn’t drink, she didn’t smoke,” the nurse explained. It seems Margaret’s dedication to a healthy lifestyle and strong values played a big role in her longevity.
A Birthday Celebration Fit for a Legend
For her special day, Margaret was surrounded by her loving family, including two of her 14 children. Her 67-year-old daughter, Liza Daniels, expressed immense pride in her mother’s achievement. “It’s such a privilege to witness my mom reaching this incredible age,” Liza said. Margaret’s family gathered to celebrate not just her life but also the legacy she leaves behind. Her story is one of resilience, love, and the power of family.
Gogo’s Centennial Celebration Inspires Many
Another heartwarming story comes from a grandson who celebrated his grandmother’s 100th birthday on social media. Twitter user @Tafadzwa____ shared a delightful photo of his vibrant grandmother, known as "gogo," dressed in a stunning floral outfit and seated at her birthday party with her cake by her side. The grandson proudly revealed that his gogo’s firstborn is now 76, her first grandchild is 52, her first great-grandchild is 28, and her first great-great-grandchild is just two years old. Turning 100 is no small feat—it’s a milestone that places her in an elite club of senior citizens who’ve witnessed over a century of change.
Margaret Maritz’s story reminds us all that life is a journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and moments worth celebrating. Her legacy will inspire generations to come, proving that age is truly just a number when you live with purpose and grace.

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