A Phoenix matric learner has gone viral on social miedia for her “very unique and original entrance” at her school prom which caused a stir when she arrived in a hearse, inside a closed white casket, on Friday, 26 April.
The Crystal Point Secondary School learner, 17-year-old Luthfia Jee Ebrahim, is the talk of the town following her bold entrance at Sunford Hall where the event was held. Ebrahim was greeted with loud screams and cheers as she proceeded to ‘rise from the dead’ assisted by her family members during her jaw-dropping arrival.
“I spent approximately 15 minutes inside the closed casket,” Ebrahim told the Phoenix Tabloid.
“It took me two weeks to plan for my prom entrance and my uncle assisted me from start to finish. I saw a similar idea on social media and was inspired to go for it. I thought it was versatile and out of the ordinary. I also got the inspiration from the artist Pitbull where he expresses in one of his songs that ‘remember no matter what you are going through in life, everyday above ground is a good day’. Most people are going through various challenges in life and this song reminds them to always remain above ground.”
She added: “My family was very supportive and were expecting something bold because of my personality. I hope this encourages young girls to never be afraid to express themselves the way they feel comfortable to do so and never shy away from taking their space.”
Her aunt, Kimisha Baichu, said: “Luthfia’s out-of-the-box entrance was something different, and not anything we have seen in our community. It showed her courageous character in a world where courage and freedom of expression fail us.”
Baichu applauded her niece’s bold entrance, saying that it was brave for her to do so.
“This was not only about her having a spectacular entrance at her matric dance but rather an opportunity to showcase to the world how brave and fearless she is. You are only 17 years old once in your life, the memories that you make during your schooling career should be nothing short of epic and that is exactly what Luthfia has done,” said Baichu.
She added that the concept of death is a taboo one in our society as it brings sadness and pain to many, but Luthfia’s courage shows that it’s okay to accept, express, and talk about death without it bringing fear or anguish at any time.
“South Africans celebrated Freedom Day on 27 April, I want to encourage the youth and members of the community to exercise their rights to freedom of expression, think out of the box, and not to place boundaries on their lives by pressures of society,” added Baichu.
