They like PlayStation, Hannah Montana and maths. They dislike cigarettes and people who are mean to children. Meet our babies born in 2000. They tell Karabo Keepile what makes them tick.
Stefanus Francois Burger
Grade: 3L Edgemead Primary
Born: February 11 2000
Lives: in Cape Town
Stef was an internet celebrity long before he had seen a computer. On the night he was born, thousands witnessed the arrival of ”South Africa’s first cyberspace baby” via a website. Stef’s parents wanted to ”demystify the birth process”, so they invited the world into the labour ward.
Stef says:
”I found out I was famous only last year, when I was eight. My auntie told me. I took the newspaper pictures and showed the people in my class. They were, like: ‘wow’! It made me feel special because I realised I was the first person to do something.
”I don’t know what it means to be a ‘millennium baby’, but I am proud to be a South African because we won the Rugby World Cup twice and the ICC trophy.
If I were president? I would take abused kids to a home so that they have shelter. Some parents don’t have enough money to buy their children clothes, but they still have enough for cigarettes.”
Grace Kamanda
Grade: 5H Troyeville Primary Born: February 18 2000
Lives: in Bertrams, Johannesburg
Grace’s parents come from Congo, but she was born in South Africa. She has four siblings and is among the top 10 learners in her grade.
Grace says:
”My favourite subject is Afrikaans because the words are not very difficult to pronounce. When I grow up I want to be a medical doctor and a singer. I think Hannah Montana is cool.
”Yes, I remember the xenophobic attacks last year. When they started my mom, younger sister and I went to the church. Then we tried to leave, but we heard there was still shooting so we ran back inside. The attacks made me sad because I was born here and I’m proud of being a South African.
”If I were president? All clinics would be free and everyone would have a home. I would make sure there was no polluted water near anyone’s houses, because children can get sick from that.”
Eva-Rose Lundon
Grade: 3K Saxonwold Primary
Born: March 13 2000
Lives: in Norwood, Johannesburg
Eva-Rose lives with her mother, a costume designer for the TV drama, Generations. She feels this is ”nice” because ”it’s only girls”. They share their house with three dogs and two cats.
Eva-Rose says:
”Everyone is kind and entertaining at my school. Some teachers are sweet and some shout a bit. Kids of different races mix well at Saxonwold Primary and I think that’s good.
”If I were president I would tell everyone that it doesn’t matter if a person is black or white or coloured or pink or purple. South Africa is a beautiful country and there are lots of people who want to come here. We’ve got Nelson Mandela, Cape Town and Table Mountain.
”What do I think is cool? Funky clothes and Michael Jackson.
”What’s uncool? When people bully you and you just say nothing. Fish-eyes are also not cool.”
Karabo Nkosi
Grade: 3D Princess Primary
Born: September 25 2000
Lives: in Soweto
Karabo started learning ballet when she was seven, but soon discovered contemporary dance and this has become her passion. She never misses her Saturday lesson at the Dance Factory in Newtown.
Karabo says:
”When I dance I feel free. It’s also fun and you get to exercise. One day I want to be as good as my teacher, Dada [Masilo]. She’s really patient.
”My favourite celebrity is Beyoncé because she can dance and sing. My favourite movie is Daddy’s Little Girls.
”How do I feel about South Africa? I’m proud to live here because I think it’s a beautiful place and there are lots of opportunities. But if I were president I would stop crime. I’d also try to take care of kids and give them food, shelter and clothes.
”When I grow up I want to be an accountant because I love maths.”
Lebohang Madiehe
Grade: 4G Park Senior Primary
Born: May 22 2000
Lives: in Soweto
Lebohang lives with her parents and elder brother and sister. She dreams of becoming a doctor when she grows up.
Lebohang says:
”I came to Park Senior only this year and at first I really missed my old school in Soweto. But they teach well here and I’ve made a lot of new friends.
”I’m happy to call myself a South African because we’re treated like humans in this country. But if I could change anything, I would stop crime and I would try to help the people who are poor. I’d also make sure that all kids have enough food, so that they can have a better future.
”I love playing sport, especially tennis. I also play soccer sometimes. My favourite celebrity is Lebo Mathosa.
”What’s cool? Going to school!”
Mpho Hlongwane
Grade: 3B Leicester Road Primary
Born: August 10 2000
Lives: in Observatory, Johannesburg
Mpho’s favourite subject is numeracy, but when he’s older he wants to become a singer like his role model, T-Pain. His mother works for Soul City, which he feels is a ”perfect place for her” because she comes home early.
Mpho says:
”My school is fun. You don’t get terms and conditions and everyone treats you the way you want to be treated. I enjoy meeting kids from different African countries because we have long conversations about school, what they do, what their names are and what sports they like.
”What’s cool? Rugby, soccer, cricket and karate. Also PlayStation, Xbox and electronic stuff.
”If I were president I would ban violence, bubble-gum, cigarettes and drinking. I would end the violation of children’s rights. Kids should be free.”