CHRISTMAS cheer doesn’t get any better than this!
For 11-year-old Ayanda Nkomo, her ‘Dear Santa’ wish wasn’t for the latest toy or gadget, but a humble plea for help so she can ease the burden for her unemployed, single-parent mother.
Putting her needs before her personal wants, Ayanda wrote to Santa asking for necessities she requires as she enters Grade 6 in the New Year.
She posted her letter at the Empangeni Sanlam Centre and was overwhelmed when she was asked by Public Relations Officer Precious Ntuli to visit the centre on Friday, to collect all the items on her wish list letter.
The shy, unassuming little girl gratefully accepted the answer to her wish list, the items having been donated by centre retailers.
‘The first time I knew about the letter was when she asked me to take her to the mall to drop it off,’ said her mother, Nonhlanhla Gumede.
When asked what prompted her to write the letter, Ayanda said she just wanted to help her mom.
‘My mom does a lot for me and I know that it is difficult sometimes for her to do everything all by herself.’ she said.
Overcome with emotion by the response, teary-eyed Nonhlanhla said being a single parent has its difficulties but Ayanda is an easy and obedient child.
I didn’t expect a child so young, to be so thoughtful. She’s my joy,’ she said.
A hard working pupil, Ayanda’s favourite subject is Social Sciences.
‘My favourite term was when we learnt about weather and climate in Geography,’ she said.
An aspiring athlete, Ayanda was placed fifth during the recent schools athletics day.
‘I love cross-country and the 500m sprint. Running is my favourite thing to do! I really like playing outside,’ she said.
‘I can testify to that! Every afternoon when we’re home, she’ll ask me if we can go for a jog – irrespective of the weather!’ her mum exclaimed with a smile.
