Just five months ago, Vanessa Phil- lipa Leeutjie’s school confirmed that there would be a matric farewell in October. Although many were excited for the big day, Vanessa soon realised that the financial difficulties at home might cut her dreams short.
Living in a house of five, the 20-year-old’s mother is unemployed and her eldest sister is the sole breadwinner. To occupy herself with things that have a positive impact on the community, Vanessa started working for the Patriotic Alliance (PA) as a volunteer earlier this year.
“When they have charity events, like handing out food or uplifting the community, I am usually there,” she explained.
During the voting registration week, Vanessa confided in her colleagues that her matric farewell was coming up and she could not go due to financial difficulties. Vanessa, who had dreamt of this moment for years, had already started window shopping for the perfect dress the year before but that dream was quickly cut short once she realised the costs involved.
“My friends and I had been talking about our farewell since last year. We were looking forward to dressing up and having a good time. But as we got closer to the day and I noticed that things aren’t coming together financially, I had to accept that I wouldn’t be able to attend. It was a bitter pill to swallow but I knew I couldn’t be that selfish,” she said.
Once the PA heard her story, with two months left, they all got on board and contributed to giving her a princess experience.
“I still can’t believe it. The PA exceeded my expectations by far. From the makeup to having a photographer following me everywhere, I honestly felt like a princess,” she said with the biggest grin. “They even went as far as preparing lunch for my family.
“Since working with the party, I always felt at home but now I know for sure that they are real friends who have become family.’’
Vanessa is extremely grateful for the help from the PA and the community. She also extends a huge thank you to her mother and sister who assisted where they could.
Now that the exciting day is over, Vanessa looks forward to completing her matric and hopes she will get a bursary.
“Now that we are at the final stretch, I would like to wish the matriculants of 2021 the best of luck as we write our final exams,” she said.
