A 16-year-old pupil from Esselen Park High School in Worcester was whisked off to his matric ball after a neighbour asked sponsors for help to give him an outfit and a tafel.
Anson Willemse was overwhelmed and says he never dreamed his matric farewell would be so kwaai.
Good Samaritan Blone Pondt took to social media a few months ago to garner support for Anson’s big occasion which took place last week.
The young man, one of the top pupils at his school, had decided he would not attend his matric farewell or have a pre-party, like his classmates because his family is poor.
Anson lives with his family in a Wendy house and said it would be unfair of him to expect his parents to pay for his matric ball.
Pondt managed to garner quite a few sponsors and together they made Anson’s dream come true last Friday.
A DAY TO REMEMBER: Neighbours setting up for Anson’s big farewell party
He was blessed with a smart cream suit, a Mercedes Benz to drive him, the R600 for his ticket, and Pondt also gave him a tafel, complete with snacks set out on tables under gazebos.
An emotional Anson, who went to the ball at the Worcester Town Hall on his own, says: “I was completely shocked. I cannot believe the community and people I don’t even know did all of this just for me.
“I had a suit and a beautiful car and a table. I am very grateful and there are not enough words to show what this has meant to me.”
saafia.february@inl.co.za