Happy birthday Oupa Jack

5 September 2025

Klerksdorp Record, Orkney - It was a big celebration at Bambino Créche in Orkney last week when Jack Nkoane Zwelebanze celebrated his 92th birthday. 

Oupa Jack works in the garden at the créche. For this geriatric, age is only a number and like owner Elaine van Dalen explains, he insists on working for money and won’t except handouts. “He started working in our garden at home in 2007 and also did some work at the crèche. He refuses to stop working and while we know he is now very old, he still pitches for work every week and do what he can to keep the garden tidy.’’

Oupa Jack walks or cycles to Orkney from Kanana and attends church regularly every Sunday. His work ethic and dedication to still provide for his family, has endeared Oupa Jack to Elaine and her family. “He is trying hard even though he is getting really old. We help where we can and accommodate him. You can say he is on light garden duty. He is loved by the kids at the créche and everyone contributed to his special celebration.’’

The celebration at the créche was on Friday August 29. His birthday was on Sunday August 31.