According to a report by Daily Mail (UK) on Thursday, January 8, 2026, a South African man who claimed to be the world’s oldest living person has died shortly after celebrating what he believed was his 121st birthday. Jan Steenberg, also known as Oom Jan, died of an asthma attack on New Year’s Day in the village of Colchester, Eastern Cape.
Steenberg stated that he was born on December 31, 1904, and admitted to smoking from the age of 14. Although his age was never officially recognised by Guinness World Records, which lists Brazilian Joao Marinho Neto as the current record holder, Steenberg attributed his longevity to his faith. He also believed a herbal drink he consumed almost daily played a role in keeping him healthy.
Throughout his long life, Steenberg worked as a fisherman, golf caddie and grave digger, and lived through two world wars, apartheid and the Covid-19 pandemic. He passed away surrounded by family and is survived by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Those who knew him described him as soft-spoken, stylish, fond of dancing and devoted to caring for animals in his neighbourhood.
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