Africa-Press – Mauritius. Ms Marie Rita Myriam Hardzger, born on 15 February 2026, celebrated her 100th birthday, yesterday, at the Grand River North West Community Centre.
The Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mrs Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie; the Junior Minister at the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, Mr Kuvalayan Kugan Parapen; family members, and close friends were present at the event.
To mark the occasion, the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity presented to Ms Hardzger a cheque of Rs 26,203; one Air monster wall fan; one magic cooker; one kitchen utensil set; a bouquet of flower; the centenarian medal; and a certificate. She also received a handsfree telephone from Mauritius Telecom. Additionally, the National Solidarity Fund gifted her a cheque of Rs 10,000 while the Senior Citizen Council offered her a set of gifts.
It is to be noted that beside the basic retirement pension of Rs 23,550, the Ministry provide several monthly benefits to Ms Hardzger, such as Social Retirement Benefit, Income Support Allowance, Severely Handicapped Person allowance, among others, and Domiciliary Visit by a doctor.
Ms Hardzger was born on 15 February 1926 at Souillac Street in Port Louis. Her father was a cabinet maker, and her mother was a housewife. She had two brothers and two sisters, who have already passed away. Ms Hardzger studied up to age 7 at Signal Mountain RCA School. Throughout her life, she has dedicated herself to voluntary service through the Church and ‘La Croix Rouge’ association. She attributes her longevity to her faith in God and to the love, help, and support of her family.
