oprah donates $1 million to soweto youth trust...
The day Oprah opened her heart to Soweto
June 10, 2005
By Aurelia Dyantyi
The Queen of Talk didn't quite master the rhythm, but she still won the hearts of schoolkids when she joined in traditional Zulu dancing on a visit to Soweto.
In the dusty schoolyard, Oprah Winfrey couldn't contain herself as hundreds of pupils from Ithuteng Trust - a school for reformed delinquents in Klipspruit - welcomed her yesterday.
On the eve of her Live Your Best Life tour, the TV hostess dedicated the day to the less-fortunate children of Soweto, who wouldn't otherwise have had a chance to attend her hyped-up show in Sandton tomorrow.
Even though the children were thrilled to have this icon in their midst, it was her turn to learn from their struggles and tribulations.
The first part of the day was spent with Aids orphans in Soweto and Zuurbekom, outside the township. There she was able to sit down with the caregivers of these children, listen to their needs and also help distribute school uniforms.
But the most colourful part of her journey was at Ithuteng.
There, 900 schoolchildren - some of them reformed gangsters and drug addicts, as well as victims of abuse - sang songs from the struggle days and toyi-toyied, to Winfrey's delight.
Flanked by a friend, Gail King, and the school's principal, Jackey Maarohanye, Winfrey bounced from side to side in her chair and whispered to them whenever something needed an explanation.
She watched with delight and squealed with excitement during the national anthem, gumboot dancing and cultural dances.
The children's play depicting domestic violence and rape hit home and she couldn't control her tears.
Her burly bodyguard passed her tissues and sunglasses.
Once the serious part of the programme was over, Winfrey was again in high spirits and tried to perform the ukusina, a traditional Zulu dance.
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She was beside herself with joy when the children showered her with traditional ornaments, including the Basotho grass woven hat, a gourd and a grass mat.
Later she moved to the garden to help plant roses in remembrance of girls who had been raped, while the boys hunched on the floor like prisoners and pledged never to rape a woman.
Then it was time for the Queen of Talk to do what she does best - give a heart-wrenching speech.
Winfrey shared her history of poverty and abuse, revealing that she was raped by three family members. The last rape, when she was 13, resulted in a child, who later died.
"I stand with you and understand where you come from," she said,
"All things are possible, there is nothing you cannot do. What I want you to do here is work on yourself.
"Everybody can be great, because greatness is determined by service.
"I was so proud to stand here today and see the four youngsters who pledged to render their service to the community.
"Whatever you choose to do in your life, ask yourself 'How can I be of service?' - first to yourself and then to your community."
Winfrey shared her childhood dream of wishing to own a big house and eight trees in the yard. This has since come true - she now owns a house with 2 000 trees in her front yard.
She also encouraged the pupils to continue with their education, regardless of their situations.
"I know that great success comes through education. I believe that education is freedom, and once you have educated yourself, there is nothing you cannot do.
"You become excellent, and when you become excellent, no one can take that awayfrom you."
To help them realise their dreams, she donated $1-million to the Ithuteng Trust.
June 10, 2005
By Aurelia Dyantyi
The Queen of Talk didn't quite master the rhythm, but she still won the hearts of schoolkids when she joined in traditional Zulu dancing on a visit to Soweto.
In the dusty schoolyard, Oprah Winfrey couldn't contain herself as hundreds of pupils from Ithuteng Trust - a school for reformed delinquents in Klipspruit - welcomed her yesterday.
On the eve of her Live Your Best Life tour, the TV hostess dedicated the day to the less-fortunate children of Soweto, who wouldn't otherwise have had a chance to attend her hyped-up show in Sandton tomorrow.
Even though the children were thrilled to have this icon in their midst, it was her turn to learn from their struggles and tribulations.
The first part of the day was spent with Aids orphans in Soweto and Zuurbekom, outside the township. There she was able to sit down with the caregivers of these children, listen to their needs and also help distribute school uniforms.
But the most colourful part of her journey was at Ithuteng.
There, 900 schoolchildren - some of them reformed gangsters and drug addicts, as well as victims of abuse - sang songs from the struggle days and toyi-toyied, to Winfrey's delight.
Flanked by a friend, Gail King, and the school's principal, Jackey Maarohanye, Winfrey bounced from side to side in her chair and whispered to them whenever something needed an explanation.
She watched with delight and squealed with excitement during the national anthem, gumboot dancing and cultural dances.
The children's play depicting domestic violence and rape hit home and she couldn't control her tears.
Her burly bodyguard passed her tissues and sunglasses.
Once the serious part of the programme was over, Winfrey was again in high spirits and tried to perform the ukusina, a traditional Zulu dance.
Click here
She was beside herself with joy when the children showered her with traditional ornaments, including the Basotho grass woven hat, a gourd and a grass mat.
Later she moved to the garden to help plant roses in remembrance of girls who had been raped, while the boys hunched on the floor like prisoners and pledged never to rape a woman.
Then it was time for the Queen of Talk to do what she does best - give a heart-wrenching speech.
Winfrey shared her history of poverty and abuse, revealing that she was raped by three family members. The last rape, when she was 13, resulted in a child, who later died.
"I stand with you and understand where you come from," she said,
"All things are possible, there is nothing you cannot do. What I want you to do here is work on yourself.
"Everybody can be great, because greatness is determined by service.
"I was so proud to stand here today and see the four youngsters who pledged to render their service to the community.
"Whatever you choose to do in your life, ask yourself 'How can I be of service?' - first to yourself and then to your community."
Winfrey shared her childhood dream of wishing to own a big house and eight trees in the yard. This has since come true - she now owns a house with 2 000 trees in her front yard.
She also encouraged the pupils to continue with their education, regardless of their situations.
"I know that great success comes through education. I believe that education is freedom, and once you have educated yourself, there is nothing you cannot do.
"You become excellent, and when you become excellent, no one can take that awayfrom you."
To help them realise their dreams, she donated $1-million to the Ithuteng Trust.
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