Putfontein dazzled by Oscar
2004-03-02 08:53
Johannesburg - The sleepy town of Putfontein on the East Rand is bursting with pride after one of its former residents, Charlize Theron, became the first South African to scoop an Oscar.
"We are ecstatic," said Debbie Mulder from Putfontein primary, Charlize's alma mater.
"Actually we are not surprised. We knew she would win."
Charlize took the Oscar for best actress for her role as a serial killer in the movie Monster.
Mulder said Putfontein primary would host a champaign breakfast for Charlize next week. The actress is expected to arrive in South Africa on Sunday.
"We haven't been able to invite her personally but we hope she can come," said Mulder.
Mulder said the school's pupils were "besides themselves" from excitement.
Following Charlize's Golden Globe award win, not only has she been put on the world map, but so too has Putfontein.
The primary school has been inundated with visits from local and foreign newspapers, magazines and TV stations, said Muller.
By late Monday afternoon, party preparations were in place for the usually sleepy town. Putfontein residents said they would watch the awards on the 20:00 broadcast and party.
According to Pottie Potgieter, a resident who knew Charlize as a child, the town was bursting with pride.
He said that all the residents there were holding thumbs that the superstar would return to her roots next week.
"We don't expect it. We know she is busy but it would be nice to see her," he said.