For many, gardening is merely a pastime. For 93-year-old Aboubaker Ismail, it is a way of life.
The Pinati Estate resident in Lansdowne marked his 93rd birthday on Wednesday, March 18, surrounded by loved ones, and the garden that has defined much of his life. True to form, Mr Ismail spent time tending to his plants even on his special day.
Known in his community for his deep love of nature, Mr Ismail has cultivated a flourishing home garden and small nursery for over five decades. Together with his wife, Fauzia, his partner of 66 years, he has nurtured a vibrant space filled with vegetables, roses, and a variety of trees.
Despite his age, Mr Ismail remains in good health, with sharp eyesight and a strong memory. He attributes much of his longevity to the garden he started planting as a teenager.
“I’ve been doing this for over 55 years. This is my hobby, my life,” he said.
He spends between four and six hours a day working in his garden, a routine he believes has helped him maintain a stress-free lifestyle.
“Gardening offers several health benefits. It reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. It relaxes the mind and is good for one’s mental health,” he said.
“People need to start gardening if they want to live better lives.”
Mr Ismail also reflected on the impact of apartheid on his life. Forced to move under the Group Areas Act, he lost access to a larger plot of land he once farmed.
“Apartheid hurt us deeply. We were moved and lost a big piece of land. Back then, the plot was bought for R4 500, today it would be worth millions,” he recalled.
Despite these hardships, he continued to grow what he could in the space available to him, reinforcing his belief in the importance of green spaces for overall well-being.
“It became clear to me how important a garden is for one’s health and peace of mind,” he said.
His passion has clearly taken root within his family. His daughter, Juanita MacMaster, who joined the celebrations, said her father inspired her own love for gardening.
“I’ve learned so much from him. I also enjoy gardening, although not on the same scale,” she said.
Family members gathered to celebrate the milestone, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share in his remarkable journey.
As he looks ahead, Mr Ismail has no plans of slowing down. Instead, he hopes to celebrate many more birthdays, doing what he loves most: tending to his garden.
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