Dozens of people got a Fade for Wayde in Kraaifontein yesterday.
Claude’s Barber Shop opened its doors at 5am, and Good Hope FM’s Breakfast Show was on hand to kick off the jol.
DJ Nigel Pierce says the initiative was in aid of premature babies, who just like Olympic 400m gold medallist Wayde van Niekerk 23 years ago, deserved a fighting chance in life.
The morning saw a rush of customers, from workers to schoolboys, to Claude’s as fans came to show their support.
Even the champion sprinter’s proud dad, Wayne van Niekerk, came to get a fade and commended Claude and GHFM for their initiative.
He recalled having to donate his own blood to his son after Wayde was born prematurely at 29 weeks.
“Hy het by die dood omgedraai, and spent many weeks in hospital before we could take him home,” Wayne says.
Claude and three other barbers were on hand to shave.
Later in the morning, the exhausted barber said: “I’m happy to help support a good cause.”
Vivian Solomons, the first person in the chair, says he drove all the way from Grassy Park to show his support.
“I don’t normally have the fade hairstyle but today I decided to assist a good cause.”
Dan Corder, who presents The Hype on Good Hope, struggled to find a kwaai design for his kop.
“I am very big on haircuts and serious when it comes to getting a good haircut,” he said nervously before taking the chair.
But once barber Bennett Petersen worked his magic, Dan exclaimed: “This man is a boss, my haircut is amazing.”
Pictures were posted all over social media, and Wayde even commented all the way from Europe.
The cuts cost R60 of which R10 is donated to the Groote Schuur Hospital’s Newborn Trust.
At the end of the day, 60 people got a Fade for Wayde.