A pre-teen from Mitchells Plain is gearing up to represent South Africa at an international hip-hop competition in New York in March 2027.
Ten-year-old Xiniah Lewin’s path to this milestone has been shaped by resilience, family support, and determination, overcoming early challenges that once affected her confidence at school.
Xiniah’s mother, Chantal Lewin says this opportunity is deeply meaningful.
“It’s not just about a competition, it’s about recognising her effort and giving her the chance to stand confidently in who she is.”
From Struggle to Stage
Early learning challenges made school difficult for Xiniah, while her twin sister progressed easily. It wasn’t until her eyesight issues were diagnosed and corrected that everything started to click.
“Once she got her lenses, it was like everything changed overnight. Her confidence came back, and she finally started to see herself the way I always saw her,” Chantal stressed.
Chantal says with renewed confidence, dance became Xiniah’s safe space and outlet, where she could shine.
“When she dances, the world stops feeling overwhelming. She’s focused, strong, and completely in control.”
Hard Work and Heart
Raised by her mother during her father’s absence due to substance dependency, Xiniah has always shown resilience and determination.
Chantal says she was overwhelmed with pride when she discovered that her daughter earned the chance to represent South Africa in New York.
“It was like all the difficult moments finally made sense. I realised those years weren’t wasted, they were preparing her for this.”
The Cost of a Dream
The opportunity comes with significant financial demands. Chantal has launched a BackaBuddy campaign to raise R120,000 for Xiniah’s travel and competition costs. With additional expenses for Chantal’s travel, the total cost is closer to R195,000.
“As a single mom, the financial weight is heavy. I’ll cut every comfort if it means being there for her. My only priority is standing by her side. She has already done the hard work. I don’t want money to be the thing that stops her now,” Chantal added.
