By Claudine Senekal
Grade 9 Visual Arts learner, Asemahle Hadebe, recently represented Treverton College in the junior section of the Reddam House Art Competition in Durban, and was awarded third place.
“I draw because it shows and reminds me that we may look happy on the outside, but many of us have been deeply hurt on the inside and this is how people can creatively relate to and learn from my drawings. It is how I would like to remind people that they are not alone and that they must continue to be brave and keep moving forward,” said Asemahle.
Asemahle said that social media is one of the biggest influences from which she draws inspiration. “The work displayed at the competition was literally a part of me. I had spent late nights expressing these emotions, allowing judges a sneak peak of how I see and draw the world,” said the young artist.
Playing a major role in identifying and fostering Asemahle’s skills and talent was Head of Visual Arts at Treverton College, Debbie Allen, who said: “We are absolutely over the moon and incredibly proud of Asemahle and her outstanding achievement, despite various challenges.”
From 2011 to 2013, Asemahle attended Dayspring Preschool, situated at the foothills of Ntabamhlophe, outside Estcourt. She gained a strong educational foundation at the preschool which was established by Dave and Judi Carnegie in 1993 as a missionary preschool under the oversight of Midlands Christian Centre Ministries. It is the sister preschool to Fountain of Life Preschool in Wembezi which was established in 1994 at the height of political violence.
Both schools offer excellent education for early childhood development which has a strong and positive impact on learners. The schools strive to continuously uplift the next generation while instilling morals and giving the little ones hope for the future, and Asemahle is one such example who is proving to be a shining light.
In 2018, Asemahle’s outstanding progress influenced her parents to take a leap of faith and send her to a private school. Treverton College was their school of choice and despite the financial and transportation challenges, Asemahle’s family proceeded to ensure that she receives the best education.
On school days, her mother would wake up Asemahle early each morning to catch the 05h00 taxi into Estcourt where she would wait, under the watchful eye of a security guard, for the Treverton school bus to take her on the next leg of her journey. And so early mornings and going home late became a part of Asemahle’s life. Once home there was a course and homework to be completed.
“It was an incredibly difficult time for me and my family, with the risks we took to get me to Treverton. But in the end, all the hard work and all the effort was worth it.”
Thankfully, Bonnie Mdluli, Treverton school nurse and boarding mother at the time, noticed the daily challenges faced by Asemahle.
“With the help of the Treverton Preparatory School Headmaster, Huggers, I had gotten Asemahle accepted into the boarding establishment. It is here that Asemahle showed exemplary behaviour and had a caring outlook, winning the Good Fellowship prize,” said Mdluli, who added that she felt compelled to do something to help Asemahle who is an incredible artist and just needed a little help to achieve her dreams.
Pastors Jon and Tracy Kuhn of Midlands Christian Centre, Pastor Mfundi Khumalo, Mrs Judi Carnegie, Bonnie Mdluli and Debbie Allen are all extremely proud of Asemahle and told The Ladysmith Herald that they know she will achieve many more accolades. Asemahle’s proud parents are grateful to everyone who has been involved in their daughter’s academic journey and are praying for more great achievements in her life.
