The empowerment of a princess

EMPOWERMENT is not just a word or a simple deed of kindness.

It is a powerful life-changing action that forever positively impacts the life of the recipient.

And hardly a better example of the true face of empowerment could be found than the emotional outpouring of gratitude by Zululand girl Princess Sithole who experienced first hand the goodwill of her fellow men.

Not a dry eye was in sight at Richem Secondary School when gutsy Princess, born without arms, received equipment to fast-track her development.

After the Zululand Observer published the story of the Grade 8 pupil who uses her feet to write, Empangeni Rotary and Zululanders rallied to help make a difference.

When Rotary delivered an audio to text laptop and a custom-made desk for Princess to help ease the obstacles she faces every day, words evaded the charming young beauty.

‘Occupational therapists from the Zululand Remedial Centre, Umfolozi Wood Creations Design and Fabrication, Empangeni Auto Renovators, Haig’s Mowers, Twinstreams Nursery, Glasson Steel, Onsite Computers and M-Tech Engineering all chipped in to support the little warrior,’ said District 9370 Empangeni Rotary Club member, Eric Bernon.

‘Our hope is to make Princess’ life a little more comfortable and help her to worry less about physical disability,’ he said.

Fondly referred to as the ‘Princess of the School’ by her principal, she displays the spirit of a fighter by clutching anything from a pen to a spatula between her toes and writing the neatest notes as well as baking some of the tastiest cupcakes.

‘Words truly escape me. Thank you from the deepest part of our hearts to every person who has helped Princess in making her journey comfortable and convenient,’ said her mother, Nkule Sithole.

• The school also received a donation of 30 indigenous trees.