Africa-Press – Mauritius. Mauritius celebrated the 100th birthday of Mrs Marie Yolande Zaïre, born St Lambert, during an official ceremony held on 8 February 2026 at Pavillon Ste Marie (Elderly) in Rose Hill. The event brought together members of her family, relatives, and friends.
Organised by the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, the ceremony was graced by the Vice President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Jean Yvan Robert Hungley; the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Darmarajen Nagalingum; the Junior Minister of Tourism, Mr Jean Sydney Pierre; the Mayor of Beau Bassin–Rose Hill, Mrs Marie Gabriella Rimena Batour; as well as representatives of the Senior Citizens Council.
On this special occasion, the Ministry presented Mrs Zaïre with a bouquet, a centenarian medal, a certificate and a cheque of Rs 26,203 in her name. Mauritius Telecom offered a Special Telephone Service. The Senior Citizens Council handed over gifts comprising a shield, a bath towel, a hand towel and a birthday card. In addition, the National Solidarity Fund presented a cheque of Rs 10,000 to the centenarian.
Mrs Zaïre was born on 8 February 1926 in Rose Hill. Her father worked as a weigher at the Trianon Sugar Estate, while her mother was a housemaker. She grew up in a family of six children, including two sons and four daughters and is the only surviving sibling.
She pursued her studies up to Standard Six. At the age of 20, she married Mr Jean Henri Zaïre, a mechanic at the Ministry of Works, in August 1946. She dedicated her life to her role as a housewife, managing household responsibilities and caring for her family. In addition to her domestic duties, she enjoyed sewing, which served both as a hobby and a practical skill. Her husband passed away in May 1993.
The couple was blessed with one son, Mr Noel Serge Erol Zaïre, aged 78, who formerly worked as a terminal operator at the Bulk Sugar Terminal and currently resides in Rose Hill. Mrs Zaïre is also the proud grandmother of three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Mrs Zaïre was previously non-vegetarian and particularly fond of fish curry. Over the years, she adopted a vegetarian diet. She enjoys listening to the radio and reading newspapers and magazines. A devout Roman Catholic, she places great importance on prayer and values socialising with relatives and friends. Although described as joyful and pleasant, her son fondly remembers her as a strict mother.
Mrs Zaïre attributes her longevity to her unwavering faith in God, her daily prayers and her kind-hearted nature. Despite her advanced age, she has no major health issues apart from age-related conditions.
