'I don't wear suits'

2003-09-01 07:32

Liezl Scholtz and Erika Fourie

Bloemfontein - A self-confessed gay matriculant from Bloemfontein, who wanted to attend his matric farewell party in a designer dress, changed his mind at the last moment after a request from the school's governing body.

His black and silver dress remained in his cupboard, but he did take along his hairdresser friend, Louwrens Koekemoer, as his partner.

Manny Jardim from Jim Fouché High School says he is gay and a suit is not for him.

"I have always been different compared to other boys in the school and decided to be different at the matric farewell.

"I don't wear boys' clothes any way - the only trousers in my cupboard are my school pants."

Manny earlier claimed that by wearing a dress to the dance, he was opening the door for "other gay guys" at the school.

"I have a very sexy body and the dress does something for my figure."

Manny said he was quite capable of handling the possible objections from his parents, pupils and teachers.

"I have had opposition throughout by school career. I am a strong person and can handle such things. I am sure I will look as good as most of the girls."

His parents, Venacuo and Susan Jardim, supported him all the way.

The dress was made, sister Schantelle would have done the make-up, the "sexy date" was waiting and the legs were even waxed - then Manny changed his mind.

His mother earlier phoned the governing body to find out what would happen if Manny arrived at the function in a dress.

Professor Kobus Lazenby, chairperson of the governing body, told Mrs Jardim that the body did not approve of Manny's decision.

"As a pupil, you wait 12 years for your special evening. I explained to her that I wanted to prevent Manny from being emotionally hurt if he arrived in a dress.

"I spoke to her and asked whether Manny would not rather wear a suit."

Lazenby said he complimented Manny on his appearance in his dress suit.

Manny said he changed his mind out of "respect for his school".

He reported that the function was "fantastic".

"I received a lot of compliments for the way I looked. The teachers were all glad that I attended."

For now, the matric farewell must take a backseat as Manny is focussing on the final exams.

After matric, he his heading for Cape Town where he wants to train as a butler.

- Volksblad