Nancia Engelbrecht celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends, marking a remarkable century filled with dedication to teaching, community service, and a love for learning that touched countless lives
Nancia Engelbrecht celebrated her 100th birthday on May 19, marking a remarkable milestone and a life dedicated to education, family, and helping others. She was born on May 19, 1926, to farming parents in George in the South-Western Cape.
Nancia was one of six children, growing up alongside one sister and four brothers. She spent her childhood climbing trees, chasing chickens, and sharing adventures with her siblings on the family farm. From a young age, she developed a love for reading and poetry, interests that would later become central to her teaching career.
Her passion for children inspired her to pursue higher education, and in her early twenties, she graduated with a degree in remedial education from the University of Port Elizabeth. Over the course of her 50-year teaching career, she taught in Oudtshoorn, Uniondale, Namibia, Cape Town and Golden Valley in Somerset East. She was also among the first teachers appointed to the former Laerskool Simmer Deep during the early 1970s.
Her teaching journey later included positions at Laerskool Delville and Eastgate Primary. Even after retiring from the Department of Education at 60, she was not ready to leave the classroom behind. She continued teaching at Kids Paradise Pre-School in Alberton until she was 75, sharing her knowledge and nurturing young minds for many more years. She particularly enjoyed teaching poetry and drama and often served as head of sport and culture at the schools where she worked.
She was highly respected by colleagues and learners alike and excelled as an athletics and netball coach. Many of her pupils achieved success in eisteddfods and inter-school competitions under her guidance. One of her proudest moments was the birth of her only grandson, Nicholas. She played an important role in his upbringing and later celebrated his graduation with dual degrees from Bond University in Australia in 2023.
Following the passing of her husband, Butch Engelbrecht, in 1992, Nancia remained active and social, enjoying weekly card games with close friends. She also treasured opportunities to travel, with a trip to Israel being among the highlights of her life. Carina Cillers, Joe Cillers, Chrisna Engelbrecht, Gerhard Britz and Nancia Engelbrecht. Photo: Supplied“Choose your friends, and treat people well.
Make time to nurture relationships, but do not suffer fools. ”She added, “I am blessed to have been spared for so many years and wish to thank my daughter, Chrisna, for her continued love, care and support throughout the years,” she said. She believes the secret to a long and meaningful life is to keep the mind active and protect one’s mental health. Until recently, she faithfully completed the daily crossword puzzle in the newspaper.
Throughout her life, she also opened her home to those in need, offering kindness, support and refuge to many. Nancia celebrated her 100th birthday at her daughter Chrisna’s family home, surrounded by family, friends and relatives who gathered to share stories, laughter and cherished memories. Known for her vibrant personality, caring nature and signature red lipstick, she continues to inspire those around her.
Her family describes her as loving, mischievous and full of laughter, qualities that have left a lasting impact on generations of learners, friends and loved ones. Today, she is lovingly supported by her daughter, Chrisna, son-in-law, Gerhard, and dedicated caregivers, Seithati Libaka and Christo Buitendag, as her remarkable legacy of love, learning, and service continues to shine. Aphiwe Nkutha is a third-year journalism student at Tshwane University of Technology and intern at Caxton Local Media.
She enjoys covering community news , events and stories that inform and connect the community. She is passionate about learning more and sharing stories that matter.
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