The end of one’s high school career is always a bittersweet moment. Bitter, because you leave your friends and teachers behind, but sweet because, whether you are furthering your studies or starting a business, the unknown is something to look forward to.
Thursday, 11 November was a bittersweet moment for Minky Motaung, who witnessed her precious daughter, Mannini Katleho Motaung, affectionately known as Princess, bid her high school career goodbye.
Unlike most students, Princess is wheelchair-bound and needs help with numerous daily tasks. Therefore, it is difficult for people like her to further their studies after school.
“My daughter is so smart.
It shatters me that she and many of her friends don’t have many opportunities after completing their matric,” Minky said.
“They are humans too; they can’t be expected to just sit at home after school.”
Princess attended E.S. Le Grange High School, which her mom described as a wonderful experience for her daughter.
“The teachers were all amazing and we, as parents, were at ease, knowing that our children were well looked after,” Minky said.
“But it’s a different ball game when trying to find the perfect place for my daughter to study further.
“I refuse to accept that her entire life has led up to her ending up at home with nothing to keep her busy,” she said, distraught.
Minky says Princess is passionate about owning her own salon, strictly for disabled people.
“She always tells me that having a disability does not mean inability. That is why I want her to have a fighting chance at pursuing her dreams,” she said.
With Minky already owning a newly-established NPO, Rekatleho SA Footprints, aimed at assisting people with disabilities, she has collaborated with Lee’s Fashion House, previously known as Lee Steph Clothing, to have a recruitment agency to provide skills to disabled learners.
“We aim to offer these children courses to develop the skills they are passionate about,” Minky explained. “We would also like to work with the government in providing job opportunities for our children.
“The bigger picture is for the children to learn through our agency and get the government to recruit them and place them into different workplaces.
Minky asks the community to help with the initiative, whether through volunteering or funding since she is unemployed.
For more information on this initiative, contact Minky on 082 257 9803.
