I begin this letter with “All praises are due to God, the beneficent and most merciful, who has made Afeefah’s journey possible.”
On behalf of Afeefah, please find a personal thank you and feel free to share with each and every pupil, individual and organisation that has supported Afeefah.
Though Afeefah was not an awardee, being associated with the South African of The Year (SATY) 2014 Awards is an achievement in itself and an incredible experience. It was amazing to witness the impact and awareness created by her in protecting our heritage.
A special thanks goes out to ANN 7 for making this possible. We felt so humbled and honoured, where each and every person from the moment we entered the Polo Club to the Awards evening knew who Afeefah was and came running towards her. All the persons shared a common message; that she is doing good to save our rhinos and to continue creating the awareness. Some renowned personalities even had to kneel to take photos with her.
Wow! She also met his Excellency for the second time on Friday evening, and she received a huge hug, handshake. President Zuma recalled that he is looking forward to going with her to the Kruger National Park. Thank you ANN 7 for making this possible.
Afeefah requested her jacket and said that she was going to show it to her teacher, friends and school principal.
Never in our wildest imagination did we expect such a journey; when Afeefah wrote a simple letter requesting President Zuma to “Please look after our Rhino,’’ a letter that I almost did not submit because I had problems sending the email.
Thank you again for all the continued support and congratulations to all the nominees and awardees as well.
Shiraaz Patel
