She looked gorgeous in her form-fitting, one-shoulder maroon and rose gold gown, her hair tumbling over one shoulder, a handsome young guy on her arm, and a brightred Ford Mustang ready to take her to the dance most schoolkids look forward to: the matric farewell.
But until recently, Sanet Basson didn’t even dare to dream she’d have the confidence to go to the dance.
A lump the size of a tennis ball protruded from her neck and going out anywhere was an ordeal for the 18-year-old – let alone stepping out on the biggest night of her school career.
Sanet, who lives in the Abraham Kriel Children’s Home in Modimolle, Limpopo, would sit for long spells staring in the mirror at the growth in her neck.
“I was so self-conscious and shy about it,” she says. “I didn’t want to go to the matric farewell looking like that.
“It didn’t matter what my friends said – I didn’t think I looked pretty.”
She’d always wear her hair in a ponytail to the side to hide the lump and hold her head at an angle. During winter she’d swathe her neck in scarves.
Sanet has been through a lot in her young life – she was uprooted from her biological parents and spent years in foster care before coming to the children’s home – and her lump was yet another hardship to endure.
But then a Good Samaritan came to her rescue. Marlene de Villiers, marketing manager of the children’s home, approached radio station Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels show to see if she could raise funds for Sanet’s lump to be removed.
This story is from the 5 November 2020 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 5 November 2020 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE MICHAEL'S ANGELS
The king of pop's kids are a close-knit trio who guard their privacy fiercely
BARBIES ON THE GO!
Sending their dolls 'travelling' around the country started as way to escape everyday life during the pandemic and four years later they're still going strong
THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
These musician decided to pack up their lives and trek across the country - with three kids in tow!
TALES FROM THE DIRECTOR'S CHAIR
After 40 years in Tinseltown, filmmaker Ed Zwick is spilling the beans about the stars with the biggest egos in his tell-all memoir - and he doesn't regret a thing
India's national election
SOUTH Africa isn't the only country holding an election this year - America and India, among others, are also heading to the polls. Most countries hold elections every five years, and it typically takes place one day before the votes are counted.
IS YOUR BRA HARMING YOUR HEALTH?
Wearing the wrong bra size can cause more than discomfort - a poor fit can lead to bigger problems
MY STORY IS ONE OF HOPE
She was born with a rare condition that affects her muscles but it hasn't stopped Kerry from getting a degree or writing a book
DEATH FROM ABOVE
Drones, like the one used to kill seven aid workers in Gaza, are becoming common in battlefields
FINALLY I'M FREE
IT STARTED innocently enough, with a Bible study group, scripture readings and prayers in the suburbs of Centu rion.
CONJOINED IN HOLY MATRIMONY
Abby and Brittany have again sparked public interest after Abby's 2021 wedding recently made headlines
