Randburg mother launches appeal to fund daughter’s dream
After years of sacrifice, Dominique Belt has earned her spot on South Africa's karate team, but her family now needs help covering the costs of the trip.
A Randburg mother, who says she has spent her life being the one who solves problems for others, is now asking her community to help her solve one of her own.
Nicola Belt, known to friends as Nikki, has launched a public appeal to raise funds to send her daughter, Dominique, to India this October. Dominique will represent South Africa at the World Goju-Ryu Karate Championships as part of the Morgan Moss international team.
Read more: Ferndale Shotokan Karate Dojo dominates karate competition
The appeal comes at a difficult time for the family. Belt recently blacked out and fell badly, an accident that left her hospitalised and in need of surgery. She is now recovering at home, still waiting for further answers about her health. “My mind keeps trying to get up and carry on, but my body is telling me that I cannot keep doing everything alone.” Despite her own recovery, Belt said her daughter’s karate journey remains foremost in her mind.
Dominique began training at the age of five, when her first gi was still far too big for her small frame. “She stood there with her little fists raised, and none of us knew how much of her childhood would be spent training for the athlete she would become.”
Also read: Karate kicks in Boskruin
Since then, Dominique has built her career through early morning sessions, long afternoons of practice, and countless weekend drives to competitions. Belt said there have also been times the family could not afford to send her to events she had qualified for. “There have been competitions she missed because we simply did not have the money. That is painful for me to admit, but it is the truth.”
Nicola said her daughter has earned her place on the national team through years of consistent effort. “She has done her part. She has trained. She has competed. She has kept going. She has earned her place. Now, I need help getting her there.”
The family is asking for contributions of any size, as well as business sponsorships and shares of the appeal to help it reach a wider audience. “I am not asking one person to carry the whole journey. I am asking my people to help carry one small piece.”
Belt can be reached on 065 844 5823. “Thank you for seeing Dominique. Thank you for seeing the years of work behind this opportunity, and for helping the little girl who once stood in an oversized karate gi reach the world stage wearing South Africa across her heart.”
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates!
