Ouma Ferreira celebrates a century

At the age of 100, Ouma Adelgunde Anna Magdalena Ferreira is a living encyclopaedia, with her memory as sharp as ever.


Responding to a question on her secret to longevity, Ouma Ferreira, who was born (Friederich) on 10 August 1925 on Farm Santa near Swakopmund, said, “Just eat well. Have fruits and vegetables, that's it. These days, all I do is eat. I have an appetite for German dishes, with dumplings, pork and spätzle being my favourite indulgences. I also went swimming daily, played kegel and enjoyed being in nature.” She added, “All is well. If there is a party, I only drink two glasses of wine and no more. My birthday party was hectic with 35 guests. We had a lot of fun, and I met new family members (children).”


Ouma Ferreira, a staunch Catholic, married Manuel (Smiler) Ferreira in 1947. “We had four children, two sons (Francisk and Roberto) and two daughters (Monika and Angelika). My husband and one of our sons passed away. I have 15 great-grandchildren. I can't see, hear or walk well anymore. My time is almost over, but I have to be strong and take things the way they come,” she said.


According to Ouma Ferreira, not much has changed since she turned 100. “Things are the same, I can still do and like to do things for myself. Lüderitz, however, has grown and changed. It is not the Lüderitz that I knew.” She recounts, “We moved to Elisabeth Bay and then to Lüderitzbucht in 1929. There was nothing when we came here. The land was barren. I worked my entire life. My first job was as a caretaker of children at Krabbenhoft & Lampe in the 'pink' Deutsche Africa Bank building, which was one of the first big buildings in the harbour town.” Ouma Ferreira subsequently worked at the bakery, Kapps Hotel and Bay View Hotel. “I know Lüderitz like the palm of my hand. I saw the town being built and expanding. After the construction of the Catholic Church, four hotels followed. I experienced it all, travelled the world and have so many memories.”


Ouma Ferreira says today's world is filled with many new things. “The youth are living in a different world and should be cautious. The telephone, for example, has changed, and I do not know how to use the new cellphone technology."