Cape Town - Still inseparable as ever, the “Alexander triplets” – Anne Alexander, SueLynn du Toit and Lisa Boer – have celebrated their milestone 50th birthday.
The triplets were born at full term on September 17, 1974, at Groote Schuur Hospital via C-section – an event reported by the Cape Argus that year. They grew up in Hanover Park and currently live together in New Woodlands, Mitchells Plain.
Anne has two children, while SueLynn and Lisa each have three.
Known as the “odd one”, Lisa said they had a fantastic week and were spoilt rotten by their children and family.
“We still feel very young and it feels fantastic to have celebrated a jubilee birthday with two sisters because I have two besties for life.
“We are the only set of triplets in the family, our father has twin brothers but thank goodness our children are also not twins or triplets.”
Anne shared that their parents thought they were having conjoined twins, but were surprised when they realised they were having a set of triplets, as Lisa hid herself throughout the pregnancy. The sisters said they tried their best to celebrate their birthday together every year, but last year was the first time they did not celebrate for financial reasons.
Sue-Lynn said: “Growing up we got a lot of attention; our mother was a seamstress so our outfits were always the same and that was fun. We grew up like any other siblings, tormenting our brother, but we have different personalities. We never met triplets our age, only younger. Our parents always got confused with us and even now people still get the oldest and the second oldest confused – but we go with the flow.”
Last Tuesday, the triplets spent their birthday together with their children and on Friday celebrated at Quarter Deck in GrandWest with loved ones.
Older brother Charl Alexander, 53, said he got the shock of his life when he thought he was getting a baby sister but got three instead.
“I thought I was getting a sister but then my parents came with three and it was a bit confusing because I was young. My thoughts were, ‘when are these other kids going home’.
“We are close because we do not have parents any more so we need to lean on each other. Watching them celebrate 50 years is such a proud moment,” he said.
Groote Schuur Hospital CEO Shaheem De Vries extended their birthday wishes to the triplets.
“On behalf of the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness and Groote Schuur Hospital, we wish Anne, Sue-Lynn, and Lisa continued health, happiness, and many more joyful years ahead. Happy 50th birthday!
“Their journey is a testament to the enduring bond of family, and we are honoured to have been part of their beginning,” said De Vries.
Cape Argus