I was born in 1983 in Graaff-Reinet and lived there with my mom and grandmother. I first met my father when I was 10. He was in jail, and I saw his face through a small window. I don't know why he was in jail. One Saturday we packed our things and came early in the morning to Nieu Bethesda. When I was eleven my Mom went to Cape Town. Every month she sent money to my grandmother for us. When I was twelve my father died in jail. They didn't tell us what he died from. After my father's funeral my Mom went to Cape Town and we never saw or heard from her again. My grandmother asked me if I want to go to High School and I said yes. Two months later my grandmother died. It was her heart.

There was no-one to help me with my school fees, so I left the school. I sat at home and thought what to do, and there was nothing for me to do. I was the oldest, sixteen, and Mollie van Heerden took my baby sister to look after her. Other people gave me food, especially Mollie. In August last year I got pregnant, and my son Ronaldino was born on April 22nd. When I heard about the textile work at the Centre I told myself I'm going to work hard to get money for my child. I like the sewing really.