Observatory couple Theresa, 82, and Gerald Malan, 83, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last week.

Their diamond anniversary was on Thursday July 4, and they renewed their vows on Saturday July 6, at St Luke’s Anglican Church in Salt River, in front of some 50 friends and family.

The couple first met at a soccer match at the Hartleyvale Stadium in Observatory. Mr Malan was raised in Observatory while Ms Malan was originally from District Six. They married at the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on July 4, 1964. Mr Malan recalled it being a rainy day.

“The bakkie would not start, so I remember having to push the bakkie home to jump start it with my wife and maid of honour inside,” he said.

Mr Malan’s mother, Mary, owned three adjoining properties in Lower Rochester Road, and he and his wife bought one of them, and that is where they have lived ever since they were married.

Mr Malan worked in construction for four years and and at two printing companies for a further 23 years. Ms Malan was a seamstress in a Salt River clothing factory for over 20 years before a back operation forced her to retire.

Ms Malan said she married “a very good man”, while Mr Malan said: “Sometimes people will argue, though it is good to talk things through, and my parents always raised me to be respectful towards the next person.”

The couple have a daughter, Shireen Naudt, two grandchildren (a third died as a child) and three great grandchildren.

Ms Naudt said her father used to spoil her a lot while her mom was the disciplinarian. “My father was a good provider and supported our family and always enjoyed any meal my mum would make him,” she said.

Mr and Ms Malan’s family and friends celebrated their special day with them.

Gerald Malan taking Theresa for a dance at their 60th anniversary celebration.

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Obs couple celebrate 60th wedding anniversary