This boy may only be 13 years old, but he is already paying his own way in life.
Bradley van der Westehuizen’s story has gone viral on Facebook after someone posted a picture of the orphan selling afdroog lappies to raise money to buy himself a pair of soccer boots.
The Newfields laaitie doesn’t speak much and his aunt, Berenice Miller, says he is “ min van woorde”.
His grandmother, Velna Miller, 59, is his primary caregiver after both his parents passed away.
“Bradley’s mother died six years ago and his father died two weeks ago. So now, I am looking after him. He is such a quiet child but he loves his soccer,” says Velna.
“He plays for Morgenson Primary where he is in Grade 5, and he plays for East End United Football Club.”
Berenice says Bradley gets up early every weekend to earn money. His latest goal is to buy new soccer boots.
“Every weekend he is up early and ready to go sell his lappies. He leaves the house at 8am to sell the items along Reen Road in Rylands even if it is raining outside, like on Saturday,” says the aunt.
AMBITIOUS: Bradley van der Westehuizen, 13, sells his lappies in Rylands for R20
“I told him to stay home and he told me he can’t because if he doesn’t go and work, he cannot sell anything and if he cannot make any money, he will have nothing.
“He doesn’t care, even if he comes home with only an R20.”
Bradley, who sells two dishcloths for R20, made his grandmother a big promise.
“He told me when he grows up he’s going to play soccer professionally, he said he is going to be on TV and he’s going to buy me a house,” the granny says proudly.
Bradley lives with his ouma, his brother, two aunts, his uncle and all their children.
PROUD: Ouma Velma Miller takes care of Bradley
Speaking to the Daily Voice, the shy boy says he’s not only working for his soccer boots.
“Yes, I sell the lappies to save up for my [soccer] boots, but also for things I need, like school items and other stuff. I sell every weekend, there’s not a weekend I miss,” he says.
The Manchester United fan adds: “I currently play as a midfielder and one day when I am older I want to play for a team, like my favourite team, Manchester United.
“Marcus Rashford, a forward for Manchester United, is my favourite player.
“He’s the kwaaiste and yes, when I grow up I am going to buy my grandma a house.”
If you would like to assist Bradley, contact his aunt Berenice on
.