A God-fearing woman and a prayer warrior.
This is how the children, loved ones and neighbours of Annie Bam describe her.
Roger Street in District Six (D6) was abuzz on Saturday 3 June as relatives came from far and wide to wish Bam on her 100th birthday.
The centenarian celebrated the milestone with her five children, 28 grandchildren, 70 great-grandchildren and 50 great-great-grandchildren.
David Bam (64), the seventh eldest child, says their father died when they were still young and his mother raised eight children, of which three have since died, by herself.
David describes his mother as the matriarch that keeps them together.
“She is a wonderful mother to us and kept us all on the right path. Discipline was always the order of the day. She would not hesitate to spank us if we stepped out of line.”
Bam’s oldest grandchild, Rachel Petersen (61) says her grandmother has always been a prayer warrior.
“Ma would always pray for all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“She is the one who taught us how we should live even in our married lives.”
Like thousands of families, the Bam’s were forcibly removed from District Six by the apartheid regime as part of the notorious Group Areas Act.
They then moved to Manenberg.
Bam was one of the first 24 beneficiaries to return to her beloved community about 18 years ago.
Sidney Arendse (49) says his grandmother had a strict “we’re going to church” policy.
“Every Sunday she would wake us up early to go to church. No matter how tired you were, there were no excuses. She always made sure that her children and grandchildren knew the Lord. She is an amazing grandmother and we all love her so much.”
David says his mother does not take any medication and can still hear well.
“Her eyesight is not so good anymore and her memory is not as good anymore. But she remembers all her children and grandchildren, even the great-grandchildren.”
Petersen says Bam lived a full life and even had one of her famous recipes appear in the District Six Museum recipe book.
“My grandmother made the most delicious food. She was famous for her pickled fish and breyani. Her delicious breyani recipe made it into the book.”
Bam, now bedridden, was dressed in a blue and white dress and a crown on her head.
“Because she is our queen,” says Petersen.
Bam says it’s only by God’s grace and favour upon her life that she can celebrate 100 years.
“Praise the Lord. He has been good to me. I am excited that everyone came here to see me. I feel good and I feel happy.”
The centenarian says when she was younger, she used to walk far distances to keep fit. But she believes her faith in God is the recipe that has kept her going throughout her life.
“I used to go to church or stand on corners and tell people about God. I want to say to the young people today, keep God at number one in your life. Serve Him and he will always take care of you.”
