Rudolph Lekay's journey: From selling sweets to a hero's matric farewell

Matric learner Rudolph Lekay, who went viral on social media earlier this year after displaying entrepreneurship, courage and determination by selling sweets at the Town Centre in Mitchells Plain in order to pay for his farewell and to support his family, received a hero farewell including a visit by the station commander.

Lekay, 19, from Morgenster,  who attends Florida High in Ravensmead, sacrificed leaving his home after 5am in order to sell sweets for R2 and R3 including pretzels and managed to raise R10 000 in six months.

A backbuddy account was also started for Ronaldo Gouws and R70 000 was raised which was handed over to the family in August.

Lekay’s matric dance took place on Friday at the Skilpadvlei Wine Farm in Stellenbosch.

He was donned in a personalised suit which had been sponsored by Lucy’s Boutique in Parow who had heard of his overwhelming story.

Mitchells Plain Station Commander, Brigadier Brian Muller also paid Lekay a special visit on the day, highlighting his courage and example which he set for the youth.

Speaking with the Cape Argus after the festivities, Lekay said his hard work had paid off and thanked his mother, Rosaline Lekay, who is a single parent for her love and support in raising himself and his siblings.

“I trusted God with the process. He didn't disappoint me,” he said.

 I am proud of myself. God gave me the strength to carry on and all the sacrifices that I made.

“I would like to say thank you (mother) for everything that she has sacrificed, the hardships, the hard conversations, and the soft ones and I know it is where the hard conversations helped, that is where I grew as a person.”

Lekay added the special visit by the station commander, honoured him.

“I didn't know my message could reach such a high caliber of people and that my influence would be that huge,” he added.

He also shared a message for the youth.

He said his goals were to pursue a career in business one day in order to start  his own franchise food chains.

Rosaline said she was proud of her son: “It was worth it, all the sacrifices he made."

Crime organisation, Fight Against Crime South Africa (FACSA) said:

“Moments like these remind us that resilience, dignity, and hard work do not go unnoticed. Rudolph, you have inspired a community. May this be the first of many doors that open for you in life," it said.

Matric ball fever was also showcased at Spine Road High School in Tafelsig on Friday when a learner arrived in a helicopter, which was filmed by residents after it could not leave the sportsground and remained at the premises until the next day.

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Cape Argus