Jan Steenberg, lovingly known as Oom Jan, passed away on New Year's Day at the remarkable age of 121, just a day after celebrating his birthday. Though he wasn’t officially deemed the world's oldest man by Guinness World Records, Oom Jan was cherished as one of South Africa's oldest living citizens.
Reports indicate that Jan, who breathed his last in Colchester in the Eastern Cape, succumbed to an asthma attack only hours following his celebrations. He leaves behind a loving family, including two daughters and two grandchildren. It’s noted that Oom Jan had a lifelong relationship with smoking, starting the habit at the tender age of 14.
In a memorable interview from 2025, this former fisherman, gold caddie, and grave digger attributed his extraordinary longevity to his faith, declaring,
"God was my oxygen and saviour."
The World Reacts to the Passing of Oom Jan
The internet exploded with heartfelt tributes and messages of condolence in the wake of Oom Jan's passing. On his Facebook tribute, social media users filled the comments with expressions of sorrow and shared reflections on his incredible life.
Linda Lancaster remarked:
"121 years old. He lived long, way past the 'expectation.'"
Cassino Kalu shared simple words of peace:
"He's gone to rest."
Meanwhile, George Lyne added a thoughtful note:
"I hope he left his body to science so they can figure out how he did it."
Celebrating Longevity: More Centenarians Around the Globe
- From the reports by Briefly News, we found that one woman, Margaret Maritz, became a renowned figure upon reaching the 100-year milestone.
- Johanna Mazibuko celebrated her astounding 128th birthday in 2022, sharing her insights on living a long and fulfilling life.
- In 2024, six sisters made history as the oldest-living siblings, boasting a breathtaking combined age of 570 years and 40 days.
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