Pretoria east learner scores R20 000 chunk for his school, R5 000 for himself
His mother maintains that what her child did was “something special”, while the principal and the Waterkloof Primary School family are extremely proud of the achievement.
A nine-year-old east boy has won himself a R5 000 birthday wardrobe.
Karabo de Villiers won R25 000 in the Edgars community art competition run by Menlyn shopping centre last year.
The “commission” was a self-portrait but R20 000 will be injected into his school, Waterkloof Primary School in the east of Pretoria and the remainder for Karabo to satisfy his desires.
Mother, Boitumelo de Villiers said: “He won last year but it only became official now when he received the prize.”
Boitumelo said Karabo entered the competition towards his birthday last year when they visited Edgars to buy him some celebratory clothes for his special day.
“We were approached by a guy who works there and he told us about the competition.
So we arrived home and I told both my kids to enter their school.”
She said towards the end of last year she was informed Karabo had won.
“He was extremely happy, especially since he loves to draw.”
Boitumelo said Karabo winning was an inspiring example, especially since it also assists the school financially.
“What he did was something special.”
Boitumelo said Karabo started being passionate about drawing in Grade 1.
She said this newfound interest, started with Karabo dabbling in sketching and colouring in, then later 3D art.
His favourite artist is United States illustrator Nash-Vibes. She said the influencer used Posca markers, which Karabo enjoyed as the art looked “nice”.
Boitumelo said Karabo however needed to practise other techniques such as drawing buildings, which he found difficult.
Karabo said, “It was cool drawing myself and if the competition goes to the next level it would encourage me or others to start drawing further and not just for fun”.
“It will be cool to also tell my kids about my achievements at such an early age.”
Boitumelo advocated for businesses and art spaces to continue such competitions.
She said she also supported art as a tool to get one far in life “especially if you love it”.
“With regards to the development of children, it can also help them go a long way, nowadays kids are always on the phone.”
She said she was so proud of her son, and wished she could open an art studio or classes where she would host children and encourage them to draw what they like.
“The skill can keep children away from phones since they also don’t play like we used to play when I was their age.
As for Karabo, I told him I would keep the money for him until he knows or decides what is it that he wants to do with it.
I am just proud that he won and I intend to save the money for him so that he can get something that will always be a reminder that he got it from his talents.”
She said she planned to encourage Karabo to keep drawing “as one can never know where you will end up with your talent or where it will take you”.
School finance member Tonia Bellomo said Waterkloof was aware of the prize.
She said how the money will be used is yet to be decided and expected Edgars to specify approved use.
“The money has been paid into the school account. Sarah Monyai, the principal and the school family are extremely proud of Karabo for his achievement.”
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