From rags to ribbons

2003-08-11 22:52

Marlene Malan

Cape Town - Teachers at his school believe the story of Bongani Mvumvu, 14, star equestrian of Groote Schuur Primary, is that of a child of the "new" South Africa.

This because Bongani - who recently won the International Equestrian Federation's world dressage championships for his age group - grew up without any opportunities. The day he was given a chance, he grabbed it with both hands and made a success of it.

The shy boy, who came to the school three years ago, is a world apart from the confident young man who became a champion over the weekend, principal Anton Meyer said.

"We accepted him as a package from the beginning. We look after his well-being and assist him as far as possible to adapt. It is a team effort on the part of teachers and pupils."

Meyer said the child, who was found in a pigsty on a farm in Philippi, has grown to be a confident young man with a sharp intellect, a leader and someone who does not hesitate to live according to his beliefs. He is a friendly child who regularly entertains the class with his sharp sense of humour.

"Bongani does not hesitate to make choices. When we had to fetch his birth certificate from the department of home affairs, he chose to take his mother's surname, Mvumvu, and not that of his father, Mjali."

Bongani also chose Afrikaans as his medium of instruction and considers it his home language.

Bongani said on Monday his proudest moment in the competition was when he received the prize and South Africa's national anthem was played.

- Die Burger