Unprecedented art talent. Siyabonga Gans, (13 years old) in Grade 7 at Wilgehof Primary School in Bloemfontein, has become an overnight sensation with his unprecedented art talent.
Siyabonga was first spotted by his Grade 3 teacher. She nurtured his art talent and made sure he joined the Nellie Brisley Art School. He was then given the opportunity to showcase his talent at Engo’s fundraising dinner. He won awards for his art at the 2022 Bloemshow.
A recent newspaper article described how Siyabonga had sold some of his paintings at an ENGO event. He donated the proceeds of R20 000 to them. In the article, this talented boy with the big heart expressed his wish to attend St Andrew’s School.
Siybonga’s dream
Mr Colin Hickling, an Old Andrean and ‘Godfather’ of the school told Mr Roland Rudd (headmaster) about this. Mr Rudd called Mrs Fredericks from Wilgehof Primary and set the ball in motion to make Siybonga’s dream come true and they visited the school on Tuesday.
“Based on my interactions with this young man, having heard his story, and along with the support of his teachers I jumped at the opportunity to accept him into our family. When his teachers showed me a portrait this boy had sketched of me in barely an hour, I was blown away!”, says Mr Rudd.
But wait, there is more! In the true spirit of giving and concern for others, Siyabonga brought his friend, Khosi Moletsane, who is the current Head Boy of Wilgehof, along. Whilst Siyabonga is a talented artist, and Khosi is an exceptional leader, they both excel in academics.
These two boys have now been accepted to join the Brotherhood of St Andrew’s! “I am sure that Siyabonga and Khosi will live out our motto “Fiat Lux – Let There Be Light”. Welcome to the family, boys!” In order to assist these two families to meet the financial obligation needed for their 5 year high school journey at Saints, we have launched a campaign “Fund Our Saints” to help them raise R600 000.
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