Jan Steenberg, believed to be SA’s oldest man, died on New Year’s Day, just hours after celebrating his 121st birthday. The former grave digger, fisherman and golf caddie died of an asthma attack on Thursday, surrounded by his family. Born in Missionvale on December 31, 1904, Steenberg, or Oom Jan as he was affectionately known, later moved to Colchester, where he lived for more than 50 years.
Having lived through two world wars, the atrocities of the apartheid era and the Covid-19 pandemic, he was always willing to share stories from his life. Asked about the secret to his longevity during an interview with The Herald in 2025, Steenberg said God was his pillar of strength and the reason he was still alive. “God is my oxygen and my saviour.
Though I also smoke. I’ve been smoking since I was 14 — back then, I used to steal cigarettes. “Ephesians 6:2-3 says to honour your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise: that it may go well with you and that you may live long on Earth.
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“I also have this potion I drink — I use kaptein wortel, rooi wortel and dywortel. Back then, we called it that — I don’t know the new names of the ingredients. I mix it all together, pour in hot water, stir it with my finger and drink it.” Steenberg is survived by two daughters, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, as well as his four beloved dogs and a cat.
He had three children — Maria, Katie and the late Hannes who died in 2024 after he suffered a stroke. Ronell Van Niekerk, who cared for Steenberg for 18 years, spent her days keeping him company and looking after his much-loved animals. “When I moved to Colchester, I asked God to please use me and send me where I was needed.
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