This young Cape Flats karate champ, who is selling atchar to raise funds to compete in a national championship, has reached his target after Daily Voice readers dug deep in their pockets to assist him.
Since appearing in the Daily Voice, Raees Jassiem, 7, has received calls from Mayor Patricia de Lille and a special visit from Premier Helen Zille’s husband, Johann Maree.
CLIENTS: Raees with Helen Zille’s husband Johann Maree. Photo: Supplied
The laaitie from Lansdowne made headlines earlier this month when he started
running his own stalletjie in Rylands to raise the R8 000 he needs to participate in the South African Goju Kai Championships to be held in Stellenbosch next month.
The Grade One learner from Grove Primary School received his WP colours earlier this year and is now training five times a week in preparation for the tournament.
He currently has an orange belt and is aiming for the black belt.
Proud mom Fazlin says since appearing in the Daily Voice on 7 September, Raees’ stalletjie in Athlone has been buzzing with visitors.
“The next day (after the article) so many people came and the stall was buzzing. One man came up and gave him a hug and handed him an envelope with money,” says Fazlin.
“Zille’s husband came to the stall and we were all excited and took pictures.
“He also received a call from Mayor De Lille who said she was in the USA but wanted to meet with him when she came back.”
Private donors also contacted Fazlin and she says the R8 000 was raised quickly.
LIKE MY ATCHAR: Young Raees Jassiem’s stalletjie in Rylands. Photo: Monique Duval
“We never expected donations because Raees was working to earn the funds,” she says.
“We made special deliveries to the individual donors and now he is training harder than ever.”
De Lille’s spokesperson Xolani Koyana confirms: “The Mayor spoke to Raees and his mother over a week ago to congratulate him and mentioned she would love to meet the karate champion soon.
“A meeting has been set up for next week and the Mayor is really excited about meeting this remarkable young man.”
Raees is also part of the African National Warriors programme and was invited to participate in a cultural exchange trip to Italy next year.
“We don’t have the final details yet, but he will need about R40 000 for that trip, so he will continue operating his stall each Saturday,” says Fazlin.
The stall is situated in Reen Avenue in front of Elite Cash * Carry and is open every Saturday from 8.30am to 2pm.
monique.duval@inl.co.za