“…make sure we remove the shame of adversity in the face of the kids one child at a time.”
BY STAFF
Tshepiso Gregory Ratema, a young man from Diepsloot community, who has a big heart and willing to share the little that he has with his community.
Ratema knows the struggles and challenges that the community is facing and felt the need to contribute and make a change in Diepsloot by starting a Matric Dance campaign. He felt the need to start the campaign since he didn’t have the privilege to attend the glitz and glamorous ball during his school days. The campaign aims to help underprivileged matriculants to experience the magical night.
Ratema started the campaign, by asking for donations from community members able to lend a helping hand to disadvantaged matric pupils to attend the ball. He wants to see this initiative grow and help more pupils. “I am looking to help really underprivileged pupils. Those who can’t merely afford and faced with difficult financial circumstances.” Said Ratema.
Five matric pupils from Olievenhoutbosch were pampered with stunning dresses and tailor-made suits fit for the occasion.
They received dresses from fashion designer Mahlatse Maripane , tailor made suits by Bongani Maphosa, free photoshoot, videography and make-up voucher from 3ApplesPictures and W3AYS Photography. The pupils also received free haircuts from MaBee the Barber and transported in style to the dance of a lifetime by LLU CAR HIRE and African Platinum Tours. Ratema plans to continue with this initiative with nine other Diepsloot pupils later this year.
Ratema said that the initiative was a memory worth for keeps. “Dressing the students, driving them to the venue and making sure they get a statement grand entrance, to them is once in a lifetime moment and making sure the team capture the moment for them.” He wishes to continue with the initiative to help ignite purpose for disadvantaged pupils and make sure he removes the shame of adversity in the face of the kids one child at a time.