THEMBI’s dream of taking on the best in the world is slowly fading away.
Thembi Mbuyane (51) from Mshadza outside Hazyview in Mpumalanga was selected to be part of a team that will travel to America next month for the World Gold Panning Championships in Placerville, California. But for Thembi, the excitement of being chosen was short-lived when reality set in. She cannot afford the trip!
As one of the chosen competitors, Thembi is expected to make her way to the event in the US, but she cannot afford the plane ticket, accommodation for the 13 days of the championships and food.
Thembi, a maintenance worker at the department of public works, roads and transport in Mbombela, said she is afraid that she might not be able to raise the money to travel.
In 2013 she represented South Africa in Italy. In 2014 she was in Sweden and last year she went to Spain. After all three championships she came home with silver or bronze medals.
She said: “I am honoured and proud to have been selected by the SA Gold Panning Association to be part of the team that is going to represent our country.”
She is pleading with SunReaders to donate towards her flight, food and accommodation in the US. Anyone willing to assist Thembi can call 011 877 6060.
