MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Surrounded by his siblings, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, John 'Ouboet' Joseph celebrated his 90th birthday at his home in Ext 13 on 18 October.

With some family travelling all the way from Cape Town to share Joseph's big day, he told Mossel Bay Advertiser the celebration was amazing, especially since his family was there with him.

"I am appreciative of having such a wonderful and loving family, and it makes me feel like a very wealthy man," said Joseph.

During Ouboet's birthday party, his family members donned some white T-shirts. His hands were painted orange and then imprinted on the back of each member's shirt as each one of them hugged him.

Now each family member has a special shirt to remember Ouboet and his big birthday celebration by.

Born in Albertinia in 1935, Joseph grew up around the area. He said some of his fondest childhood memories were of him collecting and processing aloe vera with his father and brothers.

When asked how it feels to be 90, he said: "Apart from the deterioration of health, by the grace of God, life is good."

He said the secret to his long life is that he had honoured his parents for as long as he could, and that he gave his life to Christ. "The Bible promised long life if we honour our parents," he said.

Joseph's son, John Peter, called 'Piet' by the family, said he would not be the man he is today without the teachings of his dad. 

"My dad was very strict when I was growing up, but it was discipline executed in love. He was an extremely hard worker and has a passion for serving and helping others," said Piet.

He said his father was a mechanic, welder and electrician all in one, and made sure to teach his son all about these things as he was growing up.

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’