Around this time of the year, young people are getting a first taste of life beyond school, and for some the matric dance is that occasion.
Think of it, dressing up larney, getting to go to a smart venue and trying on some of the styles of the ‘adult’ world. For many it’s a first-time thing.
That’s why it is so important to have a great ride, it’s what makes all the difference. And the members of the Cape car community understand this all too well. A great entrance in a cabbie with style puts matrics on a different, uplifted vibe.
So it was the members of a Lexus crew that heard about B.E.S.T. College students, and how they had been sponsored for some lekker smart clothing, and decided to add to the experience.
B.E.S.T. College, based in Salt River, started in two containers in 1999 and grown to over 150 pupils. Currently housed in the Wesley Training College, it is an independent school providing education for marginalised kids who have fallen behind or who battle to cope in the mainstream system. It is a “second chance school creating opportunities for underprivileged youth to achieve success,” says the website.
COOL: Mohammed Hussein, handsome in baby blue suit with a striking tie. Picture: TPDZ.
Faizal Rajie of Athlone says he called the matric teacher and simply offered cars for all 12 pupils to get to their matric ball, including a limo!
As you can imagine, they accepted, and the convoy met at the school. Faizal says: “There was a bit of a shuffle getting kids sorted into cars because not everyone could get their first choice. But we did it and drove in convoy to the [venue] where the event was to take place. The teenagers were thrilled.”
Asked why he did this outreach, Faizal says: “We do it because we enjoy it, and I love to share the joy of my car. I like to sit in it, and others do to! People are surprised by the level of technology you find in a Lexus, thinking that it’s usually reserved for the high-end German cars, but it’s not.”
RADIANT: Lady in red, Tanaka Shoniwa & her partner in matching blazer. Picture: TPDZ.
Faizal’s Lexus IS250C convertible is white and nine years old.
He’s done his fair share of exterior mods, including spraying the original chrome grille, side mirrors, engine cover and new 19-inch rims black; an HiD headlight upgrade; and brake callipers got a red coat. Lowering was accomplished with 45mm H&R kit, and a powerflow exhaust fitted. On the inside, all seats and panel stitching was changed from white to red in keeping with the theme, and a Lexus emblem seatbelt shoulder sleeve added in a show of loyalty to the marque.
Bobby Nitro asked why people choose Lexus and Faizal replied, rather enigmatically: “My friend says, the people who know, knows, and the people who don’t know, don’t need to know.”
GLAM IN GREY: Bevinda Mavunga. Picture: TPDZ.
Bobby spoke to Linda Malone, a teacher at the school. She says: “The cars looked so glamorous and the kids were thrilled to ride in the convoy. It looked so impressive, this line of cars all of the same make. I’m not a car person and I was impressed.
“First in line was Faizal’s convertible and a learner, Mohammed, got to ride in it. He said to me afterwards that it was the best experience he had ever had and that he would never forget that day.”
KWAAI: Rabby Ngeko and his pretty partner pose next to their stylish ride. Picture: TPDZ.
Mark Solomon, the principal of the school, thanks the Lexus owners saying: “We thank the Lexus owners for making this a wonderful experience for our educators and learners. We appreciate your kindness, your time and personal interest.”
Faizal adds a thank you to Engen for sponsoring the petrol.