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 I am 23 and take care of 8 people as the only breadwinner - Lolo, who entered for her sister

This is the first pair of heels I own - Lenza, our winning Matriculant  

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Mkhatshwa's entry was submitted by her sister, Lolo, the family breadwinner, who told SowetanLive she could not afford to buy her younger sister an outfit for her matric dance.

Lenza picked a pink and black Thula Sindi original, sponsored by Penny Lebyane, with black heels, courtesy of Melanie Bala.

"I'm grateful to my sister for entering the competition," Lenza said. "This is the first pair of heels I own. She is the best sister ever.

"Thank you so much to the celebrities who have sponsored the outfits. This experience has definitely boosted my confidence."

In her entry, Lolo said: "My sister is the third of four girls and she has so much to deal with. She cooks almost every day, she cleans, she does everyone's laundry and anything you can think of.

"We are quite a big family and live in a limited space. This means she can't study properly and has to wait till everyone goes to bed before she can study."

Lolo works at an insurance company and takes care of eight people - her parents, three siblings, her child and her sister's two children, before taking care of her own needs.

"I'm 23 and the only breadwinner. It's hard. I never attended my matric dance cause my mom didn't have money hence I entered my sister. She deserves this opportunity."

The family lives in a three-roomed house and sometimes Lenza has to wake up at three in the morning just to study because it's quieter. 

Although Lolo didn't have the chance to go on to tertiary studies herself, she has encouraged her baby sister to apply for a loan in order to be able to enrol for a Law Degree.

"I was the first one to get a matric certificate; I want Lenza to go beyond matric to secure a better life for herself and the family."

• Outfits are still pouring in. 

Anele Mdoda, Thandi Matlaila, Scandal!, Pam Andrews, Thandi Masondo Owner Fashion Studio Collections in Rosebank, Nolo Phiri, Khabonina, Spitz and Vusi from The Divas Hair salon are among those who have pledged their support. 

If you are a deserving matriculant or know of one, you can send us an email at tellus@sowetan.co.za. Don't forget to include your dress size and the date of your matric dance. 

Comments

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Thu Jun 20 14:44:08 SAST 2013 ::

Aug 10, 2011

Ann

wow! thats great shame
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Aug 10, 2011

vicky

Touching story
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Aug 10, 2011

micie

Wow, May God Bless u all!
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Aug 11, 2011

tpaz

How do I donate?
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Aug 11, 2011

Pabi

is hard to be a breadwinner, i feel for this lady, congratulations to Lenza study hard girl u can make a difference to your family and help your sister.
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Aug 11, 2011

groovibabe

Very Touching story..
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Aug 11, 2011

Khosi

Matric Dance = to girls getting pregnant, that's how I got my first baby.........No to matric dances, hlala ekhaya wena
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Dec 2, 2011

Lollydoll

Touching storry indeed..may god bless you...
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