WATCH: Mitchells Plain fire victim hailed at matric ball
UITGEVAT: Lance Minnies all suited up for AZ Berman High School's matric dance UITGEVAT: Lance Minnies all suited up for AZ Berman High School's matric dance
Left with 99 percent of burns to his body in June last year, 17-year-old Lance Minnies has defied the odds and this week walked into the Claremont Civic Centre hall to loud applause.
On Wednesday night, Lance stepped out in a smart silver suit which was donated by a bridal shop in Observatory, and a pair of kwaai Nike takkies which came from a generous reader who blessed him with a R1000 in cash.
The Mitchells Plain teen drove to his matric dance held at Claremont Civic with a fleet of five CiTi Golfs from the Dub City Car Club.
Last month Lance also received a new set of tanne from dentist sisters Dianne Michaels and Olivia Dawood of Beacon Valley.
Lance is redoing Grade 11 at AZ Berman High following his long stay in hospital, and was invited to the dance by principal Kevin Voges who also paid for his ticket.
The family was unprepared for the big day and Lance touched the hearts of readers when the Daily Voice reported on his matric plight earlier this year.
The teen was burnt from head to toe in a fire at his friend’s home in Macbeth Street in Eastridge on 12 June last year.
He lost his teeth and is only able to wear soft shoes due to injuries to his feet.
Lance shares a Wendy house with his parents and six siblings.
As he left for his ball, the street was filled with relatives of the eight people who died in the fire.
Lance tells the Daily Voice: “I was so excited, the road was filled with my friends and family and the people who were also present the day the fire happened.
“Shanice Abrahams and her father, Patrick Abrahams, who survived the fire were there,” he says.
“When I arrived at the matric dance, my principal, Kevin Voges, opened the car door for me.
“I felt so special and everyone was amazed and ran outside to see me. I want to thank everyone who helped make this dream possible. God bless them, I am very grateful.”
His tearful mom, Rita Minnies, 41, adds: “I was left with tears when I saw my son, he is my first child to be attending a matric dance.
"I just want to thank everyone.”