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Lotus River’s Cassidy Hendricks Stuns Premier Winde with Her Reading Talent
A local bookworm takes the spotlight
Lotus River has a new young hero, and she is armed not with a ball or a phone, but with books. At just 10 years old, Cassidy Hendricks has become the pride of her community after being chosen as the only finalist from the Western Cape in this year’s South African Literacy Association (SALA) national reading competition.
To mark the occasion, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde paid her a special visit at home this week, surprising Cassidy with his encouragement as she gets ready to represent the province on the big stage.
From Oliver Twist to Greek gods
Cassidy, a Grade 4 learner, has been obsessed with reading from an early age. By eight, she had already mastered more than 459 words and was confidently tackling classics like Oliver Twist. These days, she has set her sights on Greek mythology, devouring tales of gods, heroes, and magical beasts that many adults would find daunting.
Her grandmother and reading coach, Brenda Tommy, has nurtured this passion. “Very few kids, even adults, can read at the level Cassidy does,” she said. “She insists on reading Greek mythology. If every child loved books like she does, the world would be a better place.”
A track record of success
Cassidy is no stranger to SALA’s reading stage. She placed second in 2022, clinched victory in 2023, and after a short break last year, has returned with renewed focus. This year, she will be reading from the beloved children’s classic Charlotte’s Web, the story of an unlikely friendship between a spider and a pig.
Despite her shy nature, Cassidy dazzled during the Premier’s visit when she gave him a sneak preview of her chosen piece. Her voice filled the room with confidence and rhythm, leaving Winde visibly impressed.
“The Cassidy Challenge should be a thing!” the Premier said, adding that a love of reading is one of life’s most important tools. “Cassidy makes us all proud, and I want her to bring it home for the Western Cape.”
Reading as a superpower
For Cassidy, reading is more than just preparation for a competition. It has become her escape, her passion, and her identity. With a smile as bright as her talent, she admitted to feeling nervous when the Premier walked through her front gate, but those nerves quickly disappeared once she opened her book.
Her story is a reminder of the power of literacy in South Africa, where many young learners still struggle with reading for meaning. Cassidy’s journey shows what can happen when natural talent is nurtured with encouragement and community support.
As she prepares to step onto the national stage, Lotus River and the rest of the Western Cape will be cheering her on, proof that sometimes the biggest stars are found not in stadiums, but in the quiet magic of turning a page.
Also read: Only 1.5% of South Africa’s Government Buildings in Excellent Condition
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: Cape Argus
