VIDEO: ‘Famous’ west man (50) given unforgettable kiddies party
Man with mental disabilities surprised ride in green Cadillac.
A man with mental disabilities in the west of Pretoria was surprised with a kiddies-themed 50th birthday party on Friday, by his adoptive family.
Japie Bates, a car enthusiast, was taken to the restaurant where the party was held in a green convertible Cadillac, a trip which he enjoyed very much.
Japie lost his mother while he was still in school.
He was, however, later abandoned by many of his family members and was taken in by a policeman in the neighbourhood.
Policeman Hendrik Lourens said he met Japie in 1993 while he worked in Pretoria West as he was stationed at the Pretoria show grounds.
“I noticed that Japie was mentally disabled and I allowed him free entry to the show grounds as he was so intrigued by all the events there,” said Lourens.
Lourens said it was 15 years later that he revived his friendship with Japie, after his mother passed away and Japie’s family decided to move to an apartment close to where he lived.
He said Japie would often come visit him as he lived behind their house at a block of flats in Van der Hoff Road.
“Japie used to jump over the fence to come and visit me or walk around the block to come check on how I am.”
Lourens said it was about five years later when Japie became homeless.
“Japie and his family were thrown out of the flats and that is when he became homeless [because his family could no longer look after him].”
Japie started sleeping under a tree not far away from the Lourens house.
“He said he slept close to my house because he knew I was a policeman and could just watch over him for safety.”
Lourens said he decided to take Japie in to come live with his own family.
“My friends and I donated some money to buy a Wendy house where Japie could live,” he said.
Lourens said he managed to give Japie his first proper birthday party at the age of 40.
“Each year I make sure that we do something special.”
Japie said he enjoyed his birthday very much.
“I enjoyed the car ride, attention, presents and cutting my cake.”
Japie was taken on a ride from the west to the R&R Bistro in Villieria in a Cadillac owned by Taco Kamstra.
“When I heard about Japie’s birthday I decided I needed to help to make it special for Japie,” said Kamstra.
“I enjoy driving around in my Cadillac – and if I can make someone happy at the same time, it is even better.”
Kamstra said when he heard that Japie was a disabled person he decided to sponsor costs for the trip.
“I am very glad I did this. Japie loves cars. And he really enjoyed the drive to the restaurant where his birthday party was held,” he said.
“He sat in the back and he could not stop talking about how much he enjoyed it all. It was great to be part of this.”
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