A lifelong love for books has earned 72-year-old Hester Themistocles national recognition after she emerged victorious in a reading competition held in Cape Town.
The resident of Zanele Mbeki Frail Care Centre in Dunnottar, Ekurhuleni, impressed judges throughout the competition, progressing through regional and provincial rounds before securing her place among the country’s top readers.
Affectionately known as Tannie Hester, Themistocles returned home with a medal, a book, a tablet and R1 200 in prize money.
Proudly displaying her prizes, she described her trip to Cape Town as an unforgettable experience, including a week-long stay at a hotel where she enjoyed what she called a “full English breakfast”. After the competition, winners were also hosted for another day in Sandton, where sponsors celebrated their achievements.
For Themistocles, reading has always been part of her life. Her passion for books started when she was in Standard One and continued through decades of personal and professional responsibilities.
She fondly remembers her late husband, Nicholas Themistocles, with whom she raised three children and operated a dry-cleaning business. Despite their busy schedules, she always found time to read during lunch breaks and holidays.
“Whatever I am doing, my late husband is looking over me because he is always in my heart. I loved him dearly, I still do, and I will always love him,” she said.
Themistocles said their relationship began through an introduction by their sisters, describing it as an arranged love that grew into a lifelong partnership.
After her husband’s passing, she moved to Zanele Mbeki Frail Care Centre six years ago, where her love for reading continued to grow. Her path to becoming a national reading champion began when she met Selina Nkomonde, a Social Auxiliary Worker at the centre who runs its reading programme.
Recognising Themistocles’ talent and passion, Nkomonde encouraged her to participate in a reading competition sponsored by Ekurhuleni Library.
“She kept winning at every stage until she qualified for the national competition in Cape Town. She has made us extremely proud,” said Nkomonde.
Themistocles’ achievement has also encouraged other residents at the centre to reconnect with books.
Fellow resident Erika Gilfillan said spending time with Themistocles inspired her to start reading again. After experiencing difficulties with her eyesight, Gilfillan is looking forward to receiving reading glasses so she can return to enjoying books.
Following her national success, Themistocles is already looking ahead. She hopes to establish a mini book club at the centre where residents can gather, share stories and enjoy the benefits of reading together.
Her journey serves as an inspiration that age does not limit ambition, and that new achievements can still be written in every chapter of life.
