Tannie Ria and a good friend
“Tannie Ria, you aren’t 100 – you are 18 with 82 years’ experience.”
On a Wednesday morning, over 60 people gathered in Parow Senior Centre’s hall to celebrate a significant milestone with Tannie Ria Dirkschen-van Schalkwyk. Born on 4 August 1925, her words reflect a practical approach to life.
“I’m just a person who does something,” she says. When asked what she would say to people now retiring, her advice is simple:
“Never just sit in a chair with a book or a newspaper. Keep yourself busy. Keep your mind working and your hands working. That’s what keeps me young. I just want to do something every day. If I see that things aren’t going well for someone, then I help them.”
Tannie Ria
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Memories that shaped her
Her earliest years were spent on a farm without a minister or doctor. “I grew up in Piketberg. We were 10 children. My grandmother taught us Sunday School and catechised us. My grandmother held Pentecost services, and then all of us children would walk far with lanterns to go to the Pentecost service. Those are very beautiful memories from my childhood.”
She walked just over three kilometres to school, barefoot and only receiving shoes when she reached standard six (Grade 8).
Faith in action
Says Tannie Ria, “I love people very much. And I always want to help where I can. I don’t like people to argue. I don’t like quarrelling. Be kind to one another. Tolerate one another. Help others where you can.”
Although her childhood was marked by financial hardship, it was also rooted in love and faith.
“My hardships were mostly on the farm, because we grew up poor. I grew up in a very loving and Christian home. We were taught to respect people, regardless of skin colour or race.”
Tannie Ria
From that foundation, she made a commitment: “In my life, I am going to work for the Lord. And that’s what I did.”
For years, Tannie Ria has served seafarers, poor children, and provided clothing to those in need without asking who receives it or where it goes. She remembers people and their circumstances and prays for them by name.
Witness to a changing world
The celebration brought stories of the changes she has witnessed over the decades. She was born when the Charleston got people dancing all around the world, and Ford Model T cars still travelled dirt roads, when children played with stones and tins, news came from newspapers, and telephone calls could be overheard by neighbours.
She lived through the discovery of penicillin, the Great Depression, the Second World War, the launch of Sputnik, the first moon landing, and the first robot on Mars. She remembers when the Rand was stronger than the Pound, saw the redesign of banknotes and coins, and celebrated South Africa’s four Rugby World Cup victories. In her lifetime, ten state presidents have been appointed. She also witnessed the arrival of the internet.
Says Estelle Pretorius, programme manager at Parow Senior Centre:
“Tannie Ria’s life is a living history book. She connects generations by sharing not only her memories but the values that have carried her through a century.”
A legacy of love and prayer
Tannie Ria and Annaleen Nel
Says her friend, Annaleen Nel, “I commend you for your perspective on life. Hardship was a school of learning for you. It taught you to look at the bigger picture. From you I learned that faith and trust in God give you the assurance that everything works together for good.”
Visit Parow Senior Centre’s Facebook page, or contact Estelle at bestuurder@parowseniors.co.za to learn more or to make a donation.
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