Primary school learners from Lavender Hill were in for an exciting surprise when they gathered to have their eyes tested on Thursday 13 October.
Around 50 learners from the age of six to 14 were sponsored to have their eyes tested last week.
Unknown to them, sporting hero Siya Kolisi would be at hand to spend a few hours of his day with them.
Mark Nicholson, a director at Rise Above Development (Rad), said they were tasked to transport the learners to One Sight Vision in Milnerton where the eye tests took place.
One Sight is a non-profit organisation that provides eye-care to deserving individuals in many countries.
“Rad was approached by Kolisi Foundation and they asked us to get around 50 children to come for eye-testing through One Sight Vision.
“So we took 50 primary school children, aged from six to 14, from the community schools in Lavender Hill.”
Learners from Hillwood, Levana and Prince George primary schools were rounded up and transported to Milnerton.
“We took the children to Milnerton where One Sight Vision has allowed these kids to have their eyes properly tested and around 35 of them are going to be receiving reading glasses in the next few months.
“The exciting part of it was when we found out there was a surprise waiting for us and Siya Kolisi was that surprise.
“He interacted with the children. He is an amazing human being; he stole my heart just because of the way that he interacted with the children.”
Kolisi patiently answered all curious questions coming from inquisitive minds.
“The children were asking questions such as how he got to where he was, where he lives, how many children he has, how many cars he drives and he answered all the questions. And one of the things he also made the children realise was that it doesn’t matter where or which community you come from, it is always how you are guided and what you make of the guidance you receive.”
Kolisi spent two and a half hours with the children while the learners painted a mural and played different games to occupy their time while waiting for their turn to have an eye-exam.
“I also had my eyes tested and received a pair of reading glasses. It was a surprise to me and I did not expect it because Rad was just asked to escort the learners, but it was a nice surprise for us.”
