At the age of 100 Dennis Naidu decorated his own birthday cakes
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Turning 100 is a milestone few people reach, but for Dennis Naidu, celebrating his centenary called for something special. Rather than leaving the task to someone else, the Kloof resident decided to decorate his own birthday cake.
The great-grandfather not only crafted the cake himself but also entertained guests by playing the traditional "Happy Birthday" song on the violin during his celebration last week.
Explaining why he chose to decorate his own cake, Naidu said people had always complimented him on his icing skills.
“This being my 100th birthday, I decided to give it one more try as I haven’t decorated a cake in a while.
I was glad to see I still have it in me to practise my craft. I am a perfectionist who uses the best creams and fruit. I use a knife and not a pan mould. I like fine work on a cake.”
Dennis Naidu is pictured with his daughters at his 100th birthday party last weekend
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Naidu attributes his longevity to maintaining a positive outlook on life, having four daughters who take good care of him, and the hard work and exercise that formed part of his younger years.
In his working days, he often woke up as early as 3am to get to the bakery.
“These days I get out of bed after 8am, even though I am awake much earlier,” he said.
“I have a hearty breakfast, take a walk around the yard and do exercises shown to me by my physiotherapist after undergoing hip replacement surgery last year. I read the newspaper, do word searches, watch a bit of TV, check the horse-racing results and take a nap.”
His favourite foods include mealie meal porridge, mealie rice, king soup, hot curries, soups, trotters and beans, prawn chutney and soft roti.
One of 16 children, Naidu grew up in Fenniscowles in Umbile. During apartheid, his family was forcibly removed from the area and relocated to Merebank. Today, only one sibling remains alive — his 92-year-old brother.
Naidu attended school until Standard Six before leaving to help support his family.
“My cousin arranged a job for me in 1942 at Bakers Biscuits. This is where I learnt to be a baker,” he recalled.
“After leaving Bakers in 1956, I joined Payne Brothers/Greatermans. It was there that I began making and decorating special cakes.”
Over the years, Naidu became known for creating elaborate novelty cakes, sculpting designs requested by customers, including cars, aeroplanes, dolls, butterflies, soccer fields and even an old woman’s shoe house.
His advice for anyone hoping to enjoy a long and healthy life is straightforward: “Eat less, sleep less, work hard, and don’t smoke or drink alcohol. Also, a good education will lead to a good life.”
His daughter, Sagree Pillay, said the family continues to marvel at her father’s remarkable achievement.
“We were definitely spoiled with cakes and sweet treats. He baked a lot at home,” she said. “For his party last week, he insisted on making mini cakes and tartlets. He is very fit.”
As he celebrates a century of life, Naidu remains a testament to the rewards of hard work, creativity, discipline and a positive attitude — qualities that have helped him continue doing what he loves, even at 100 years old.
Dennis Naidu playing the violin at his 100th birthday party
Image: Supplied