A matric dream dance come true

Sunelda Jacobs (18), a Grade 12 Belvedere School pupil, received princess treatment as she attended her matric dance at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg on Friday, October 2.

This was no ordinary matric dance for Sunelda, as several individuals and companies opened their hearts in making her day extra special.

Everything was sponsored from her hair, nails and make-up to her shoes, dress, car, flowers and even a dashing prince to accompany her on this special occasion.

Sunelda, who was born with Treacher Collins Syndrome (TCS), also known as Treacher Collins–Franceschetti Syndrome or mandibulofacial dysostosis, did not want to attend her matric dance after her date dropped her at the 11th hour.

Her mother, however, took her shopping for a dress at Simri Bridals now based in Brakpan. “I told her to wait, something will come up,” said her mom, Adrie Jacobs (44), who also has TCS.

After alterations, the bridal shop decided to give the matriculant the dress at no cost, but this was just the beginning of all the generosity she’d be receiving.

TCS is a rare autosomal dominant congenital disorder characterised by craniofacial deformities, such as absent cheekbones. TCS is found in about one in 50 000 births.

Due to financial constraints Adrie said she was worried about how she would be able to buy everything needed for her daughter’s big day, but she kept praying.

Adrie and her two children all wear hearing aids and this was how their paths crossed with Jacaranda FM and Under His Covering, two organisations that played a major role in sourcing sponsorship for Sunelda’s matric dance requirements.

“Lebo from Jacaranda FM helped us with sponsors for hearing aids. When I mentioned the matric dance to her, she involved Miss South Africa, Liesl Laurie, who bought Sunelda shoes, jewellery, bags and other items valued at R2 000,” an excited Adrie explained.

The radio station also organised a hair stylist and a make-up artist.

Carike Pretorius, founder of Under His Covering, hosts fundraising events for cancer survivors and patients. It was through God that she was led to Adrie and her daughter.

“I went to Bermuda 5, an organisation for orphaned children in Glen Marais, and asked if they knew of children who needed hearing aids. The new woman at reception gave me Adrie’s husband’s number,” Carike explained. She met Adrie and Sunelda for the first time at the Children of Courage event.

“It felt like I could talk to her. I told her I was stressing about the matric stuff but she reassured me and helped organise a date for Sunelda, nails and transport,” Adrie said.

Iann Lotter (23), who is part of Under His Covering, was more than delighted to accompany Sunelda as her date. EuroSuit, from the K90 Centre in Bokburg, ensured that Iann looked dapper in a sponsored tuxedo. “To be honest, he’s very sexy, it’ll be very interesting because we’ve never met,” laughed Sunelda.

S4 Auto Dealership in Boksburg gave the two a stylish BMW with a chauffeur for the evening.

“I’m very excited, it’s an experience that’s not easy to describe,” said Sunelda as Justine Erasmus from Dash in Kempton Park, was giving her a manicure and pedicure.

“I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, I’m like wow, what’s happening. A few weeks ago we didn’t know what was going to happen and now everything is covered,” a teary-eyed Adrie expressed.

“It was a surprise, I didn’t expect it, I have no words, I don’t know how to say thank you. I’m just speechless.”

The rose corsage and flowers were sponsored by Madelyn Clark-Halket from Bunches for Africa at Woodbridge Square in Kempton Park.

Sunelda, who had never worn make-up until her matric dance, is very athletic, a cheerleader and runner.

Sunelda said the first person to be thanked was God.

“My condition doesn’t bother me, I don’t care what people think. Mom taught us to be strong and to ignore mean people,” she said.

Sunelda said she had friends and attended a normal school despite her condition. “You do get nasty people who stare and stuff but in school I’ve been accepted,” she said.

She wants to work with wild animals and wants to learn about different cultures. She plans to study tourism next year with Southern Sun if her application is successful.

Other sponsors included Atlanta Spur in Atlas Road, who organised platters for everyone at Sunelda’s house during the day of the matric dance, Jeanette Preis (junior) sponsored cold drinks, Jeanette Preis (senior) gave a R500 cash donation, Under His Covering organised the photography and Pretorius sponsored a further R1500.