News24 | SEE | Viral sweet-selling matric pupil whisked off to his dream ball in posh Porsche

• Mitchells Plain matric pupil Rudolph Lekay finally got to attend the matric ball he had worked so hard to save up for.
• He went viral earlier this year after a video was posted to social media of him selling R2 sweets at the popular Town Centre to raise money to fund his matric ball.
• He was chauffeured by News24 Motoring Editor Janine van der Post in a R2.4 million gunmetal Porsche Panamera 4.

There were smiles all around as Mitchells Plain matric pupil Rudolph Lekay, who went viral earlier this year for his tenacity – selling R2 sweets to fund his own farewell – finally made his way to the ball on Friday.

He was whisked away in a R2.4 million gunmetal Porsche Panamera 4, driven by News24 Motoring, while scores of family, friends and bystanders whipped out their phones to capture Rudolph’s proud moment.

Much to his excitement, a red carpet was also laid out for Rudolph.

“My heart is so happy, and I am so eternally grateful to God for carrying me to this milestone in my life. I can’t control my smiles; this all feels like a dream to me,” a beaming Rudolph said.

While the star of the show got ready to leave the house, a delectable feast was on offer, including various savouries, cheese boards, deep-fried prawn balls, chicken wings, cakes, desserts and hot meals.

Armed with his matric ball ticket and looking dashing in his fancy beige suit, the matriculant laughed and chatted with the many who showed up to see him.

“This is the first time my house has been filled with such delicious foods. The chefs [have] really outdone themselves,” Rudolph’s pensioner mom Rosaline said.

The food was donated by catering chefs Gertrude Smith and Karin van Noie from Salt Catering in Kenilworth.

They were part of a large group of people who reached out to the Lekay family to donate to them.

“When we saw Rudolph’s story on TikTok and videos of him selling his sweets in the Town Centre... I told Karin and our boss that we needed to help this kid,” said Smith.

The pair caters for large crowds weekly, so it was a “no-brainer” to provide food for the family.

“It took us all of five hours to make all the food today to have it ready by 14:00 when the people started coming to the home,” said Smith.

Pauline’s Photo Scoop offered their time and services to set up a little camera stand to capture the special moment.

Her services were sent by commercial radio station Heart 104.9 FM as a gift to the family.

“I am very happy to be here and finally get to meet the man of the moment. He has done so well for himself, and he deserves this spotlight on him,” said Pauline.

Some people who had been following Rudolph’s journey drove from as far as Parow to see him.

Parow residents Charmaine and Shelly-Ann Davids stopped at the Mitchells Plain police station to ask officers for directions to the Lekay home.

“Every year, we try to show up for matric pupils who have made significant strides in their school year. We saw Rudolph’s story in the news and absolutely loved it.

“What a breath of fresh air he was. He couldn’t believe it when we told him we drove from Parow to come see him,” said Charmaine.

Shelly-Anne said it was a “precious proud moment” to see the “star of the show” up close and personal.

“His presence alone is absolutely electrifying. He most certainly will go far in his life,” said Shelley-Anne.

Before Rudolph was set to leave his house, Mitchells Plain police station commander Brigadier Brian Muller and some of his officers visited the family and wished the young man well for his future.

“The world and, more specifically, Mitchells Plain need many more young men like you. You have put this area on blast, which makes me and the community very proud,” Muller said.

Muller told Rudolph that it was “very easy to join a gang” in Mitchells Plain, but he was proud that the young man chose the right path.

“The SAPS (South African Police Service) know of you. We read your story in the news, and we have often seen you selling your sweets when we patrol the Town Centre. You keep up this brilliant work ethic of yours, young man,” Muller said as he firmly shook Rudolph’s hand.

Rudolph’s friends showed up in their numbers to see their “superstar” friend off.

“What a flipping sexy car this is. One thing about News24, when they go big, they go big, yoh!” said Kerwin Hendricks.

Another friend couldn’t stop hugging Rudolph and shaking his hand.

“We’ve come a long way, him and me. So it’s really a proud moment to see him take stock of his life and do something constructive with his mind,” Kurt Hendricks said.

As Rudolph made his way to the Porsche, he stopped to thank everyone for their time, prayers and attendance at all his milestones.

“A special thank you must go to News24. A very large part of this day is due to the publication and your countless stories on my journey. I am indebted to you as the media,” said Rudolph.

He then showered his mother with hugs and kisses.

“You make me proud, son. You are now entering the big world. You put God first and watch how blessings will rain down on you and your life. Ek is baie lief vir you (I love you very much),” said Rosaline.

The bubbly yet shy teen then set off for the Skilpadvlei Wine Farm, nestled between Stellenbosch and Kuils River.

He added that he would not attend an after-party but had plans to go home afterwards and celebrate with his immediate family at his Beacon Valley Home.

“It’s just safer like that. And I’m looking forward to eating more of the spectacular food that was there,” he giggled.

If you have a good story to tell, email feelgood@news24.com.