Private prom puts smiles on girls’ faces

An Ottery mother decided to organise a private prom for her daughter and her friend after their schools decided not to hold these events at the end of last year.

Bilqees Davids bought her daughter Anaum’s prom dress and shoes but at the last minute, Die Duine Primary School, in Lotus River, where she was in Grade 7 last year, decided not to have a prom due to a few classmates who had taken banned substances to the prom the year before.

When Anaum heard that there was no prom, she was disappointed. “My daughter was looking forward to going to the prom after working hard the whole year and because she cried, I asked her to invite her friend along for a special night out.”

Anaum’s friend Naasigha Brenner, from Stephen Road Primary School, in Lotus River, did not have a prom night as well, so she was asked to join the Davids family on December 4.

“I organised the girls’ hair, make-up and transport for the night out at The Capetonian Hotel, with my family.”

Ms Davids said the 13-year-old girls were beaming. “The dance is something every learner looks forward to and it was good to see my daughter smile again,” said Ms Davids.

Ottery community leader Melanie Arendse told Southern Mail about the story and said she thinks it was, “truly a heart-warming story. It's a powerful reminder that even in the face of challenges like poverty, drug issues, and violence, the human spirit can shine through.”

Ms Arendse said there had been other acts of kindness in the community.

“Christmas clothes and school shoes were also donated to our children. It is a beautiful example of resilience and compassion. It shows that despite the difficulties, the people of Ottery possess a strong sense of community and a willingness to support one another.

“I hope that these acts of kindness continue to inspire and uplift the community of Ottery, and that they serve as a model for other communities facing similar challenges,” said Ms Arendse.