Amanda’s star shines
ALEXANDRA – Sky is the limit for 13-year-old poet.
At 13 years of age and in Grade 7 Amanda Mchunu is already a winner and aims high in the dance and poetry field.
This after realising her potential when she walked away with a R2 000 voucher at a multi-talent competition in September, which she stumbled upon in a TV advert.
The Zenzeleni Primary School girl wasn’t deterred by her older co-competitors and the crowd when she took to the stage in the poetry, music and dance contest at the Sandton Mall foyer. She won the voucher in the poetry category and came second overall to a musical group of two brothers who snatched the ultimate R20 000 prize money.
Amanda had gathered confidence in the sector from an earlier contest she had participated in August in Midrand, where her poetry piece earned her a certificate of commendation.
Now, she has her sights set on a big one in Sandton in December where R30 000 is for grabs.
From a humble working family with a limited income, Amanda said, “If win , it will be timely and handy for the family’s material and other needs in the festive season, and I will be saving some for varsity studies I am preparing for from now.”
Seemingly mature for her age, she urged other children to concentrate on their schoolwork and use any available platform to turn their talent into a profession. “Wake up and explore your talents, don’t smoke and prepare for your future now,” she urged.\
School teacher Thabo Maake commended her for reciting her poetry at school assemblies and events. “We hope others will emulate her, and we wish her well at the next school where she will be an asset,” Maake said.
Amanda wants to use her talent as a platform to fulfil her desire for worldwide travel. She thanked the school for its support, and her dad and brother who initially wrote for her. She also thanked her mother for her nurturing love and always being there for her.
Details: Zenzeleni Primary School 011 882 8427.
