POLOKWANE – To be able to have been part of youth council is something Estrilicia Southon, a Gr 12 learner at Westenburg High School, will remember for a long time.
She says this experience has been the most fulfilling of her life, and it has shaped her into the person she has become. “I got exposed to the conditions which other people live in, which made me realise my life is not so bad.”
Asked about her plans, her initial answer was to look for a job.
She says that she never really put any thought into applying for university as she did not think she would have the opportunity to study further.
“My parents passed on while I was still very young and my grandfather has taken care of me since.
“My grandfather, William Benedict Southon, is a cultured and traditional man who has always expressed his fear with me moving outside the house given the current state of the country.”
She says with the current rate of femicide, gender-based violence and missing person’s cases, she could not help but understand where his fear came from.
Elistricia’s grandfather was adamant that he did not want her to end up in a place where she would forget what she had been taught at home. He says he trusts her, but that one can never be sure about outside influences.
After a visit from BONUS, William was able to reconsider his decision.
He said she never spoke out about her ambitions and he would never deliberately stand between her and her future.
“I just do not want to see her waste her life. If she wants to study further, she can.” He says that he would never impose himself on her or choose her career path for her.
Estrilicia says she would like to study political science after her exposure to the youth parliament. She only has one problem now, she needs financial help to get into university.
Estrilicia appeals to anyone who can lend her a helping had to ensure that she has an opportunity to realise her dreams.
If you are willing to help, contact BONUS by sending an e-mail to raeesak@nmgroup.co.za to get through to the family.
