The Path of Eldership: Andries Latier’s Journey
Interviewed by Marian Swartz
‘As you reap, so shall you sow.’
This has been the theme throughout the life of Andries Latier, a father of nine, grandfather of 33, and great-grandfather to a multitude. Born in 1933, now in his 93rd year, he is affectionately known as ‘Odie’ (ouderling), an elder in his community, having travelled a long and winding road. One of his granddaughters lovingly says: “All of us want a husband like my Oupa. He’s a perfect example of how to live life” — loyal, hardworking, brave, imbued with strong willpower, and a guiding light for his large family… God-fearing, honest and respectful.
Andries learnt morality, life skills, courage, a strong work ethic and an unshakable faith from his grandfather, Andries Latier Senior, who lived in Vlei Street. Born on a farm near Riviersonderend, he came to live with his grandfather at the age of nine. His Oupa farmed potatoes, beans and onions. Early each morning, he was responsible for taking the oxen and cattle out to graze before heading off to St Andrews School. Breakfast was mieliepap, coffee and a cooked potato. In the evenings, he would chase the animals into the kraal, after which he and his grandparents would eat, before gathering for a religious service.
He loved school, had good teachers, made friends, played rugby and tennis, and received boxing training. After school, children would kap tol (spin tops) and play kennetjie. Sometimes, he would steal a few potatoes and head out to the veld. Finding an anthill, he would place the potatoes inside it, light a fire, and return hours later to the delicious treat of sweet, well-baked potatoes. Income was generated from the sale of vegetables and by transporting wheat on an ox-drawn cart to be milled in Genadendal.
It was his job to collect cattle dung and prepare it for spreading evenly across the house floors using a rag. His Ouma would then open all the windows, and he remembers with great joy how the house would fill with the sweet, nostalgic aroma of smooth, drying dung floors. Red clay, collected from a nearby kloof, was shaped into a neat skirting board. At 16, he had to leave school, while continuing to assist his Oupa.
Every New Year’s Eve, musicians would gather at his Oupa’s house — the sounds of guitars, violins, banjos and piano accordion played with gusto through the night, welcoming the new year. Aunties would make cakes, biscuits and ginger beer, and the children would camp for three days under shelters made from tree branches.
At 19, the devastating death of his grandparents affected him deeply. His sister brought him to Cape Town, where he first worked as a cleaner and later as an artisan. Come rain or shine, he would leave Elsies River at 5 a.m. on his bicycle, reaching the CBD to begin work at 6 pm. Happily married to Abieba, he adjusted to city life, enjoying ballroom dancing and raising his children. He learnt new skills quickly and went on to work as a highly accomplished salesman, and later as a foreman on a salt pan near Paternoster.
By choosing a righteous life, Andries now harvests its rewards, surrounded by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is grateful for his devout life. Honesty and respect, reliability, hard work, faith, humour and humility continue to guide him along his life’s journey.
A true elder. A reflection of a life fully lived.
