Cape Town - ‘’Be who you are without apology“. This was the message at the Cape Flats Sports Academy Matric Class of 2024 Gala Dinner held in Hanover Park on Wednesday evening

Matric learners from Manenberg High, Phoenix High, Groenvlei High, The Leadership College , Delft High, Mountview High and Alexander Sinton received a special award and gift in recognition of their dedication and determination.

The learners were, Nuraan Abrahams, Diego Boesak, Adin Vigeland, Miche Jacobs, Sufyaan Ryneveldt, Carl Damon, Ismaeel Booysen, Chiquita Albrecht, Tara Warela, Raeez Williams, Jaydan Adams, Liesle Jansen, Amina McDillon, Leyonche Sette, Aneeka Rhoda and Jordan Bloyes.

The event was held at the Blomvlei Baptist Church in Hanover Park.

Bryan Torrien from Breaking Boundaries Building Bridges stated that the event aimed to celebrate the learners and facilitate networking with prospective business people.

“The purpose of the event today is to celebrate the Matric class of 2024 who have overcome big obstacles in the past and it is also to connect them to business owners

“We have business owners like Reaaz Ahmed, Shamilla Phillips and Richard Arends, who are teaching them about networking skills and making them understand what is required when they walk into the real world.

“It is about building them up, it is about changing their destiny, one step at a time.”

Guest speakers included, Erika Bornman, Gasant Abarder, Saleh Abrahams, Reaaz Ahmed and Shamilla Phillips including the Honourable Deputy Minister of Social Development Ganief Hendricks.

Gasant Abarder, Marketing and Media Manager, University of the Western Cape, Institutional Advancement, who attended the event in his private capacity said he gave advice on applications to universities.

“I spoke about my personal journey but was there in my capacity as founder of Re-Boot - an initiative that rehome pre-loved sports goods to kids who need it most,” he said.

“Hanover Park Cricket Club, the co-organisers, is one of Re-Boot’s partners and we’ve given them cricket equipment. “What these young people have achieved is remarkable. They beat odds no child has to face. They are eager to do big things with their lives.”

Erika Bornman said her key message to the class of 2024 was about boundaries. “Be safe, watch out for people who want to control you and go ahead and take up space and be who you are.”

Cape Argus