Sixty years later

Krugersdorp residents may know Annatjie van Niekerk as a cat whisperer whose heart goes out to the plight of stray cats, rescuing them and their kittens.

But when Annatjie was 18 years old she responded to another cause – that of cancer patients who had lost their hair due to treatment.  She had her own hair cut with the intention of donating it to CANSA to be turned into a wig for a cancer survivor.

The hair was put into a box for safe-keeping until handover.  As often happens when one is young, life got in the way, and the hair remained in the box.

It was when Annatjie was so inspired by the perseverance of Krugersdorp News journalist Natasha Pretorius’ cancer survival story that she was reminded about her original intention.

Now in the skilful hands of our wigmakers, a cancer survivor will soon have the joy of access to a beautiful auburn wig to help her feel whole again until the return of her own hair.

Thank you, Annatjie.