Grace Mugabe assault victim gets bursary offer and more as South Africans come forward to help

Support from concerned South Africans has continued to pour in for 20-year-old Gabriella Engels. Engels made the front page of many South African papers after claims that Zimbabwean First lady Grace Mugabe beat her with an extension cord.

Since Grace Mugabe has left the country after being granted Diplomatic Immunity,  some South Africans have taken it upon themselves to help Engels in any way they can.

Two women have come together to secure a bursary to complete a make-up artistry course at Face to Face Beauty & Make-up Design School. AfriForum, who are taking on Engels’ legal fight, is thrilled with the offer.

Angela Botha from Kommetjie worked as the connection between the beauty school’s principal Shirley Wenman and AfriForum. Botha posted a message of support on social media, Wenman then saw the post and got in touch with AfriForum.

Botha said Engels is a brave role model.

“Some people picked on her and said nasty things. Her fight then became my cause. I contacted AfriForum and they were delighted,”

Wenman praised Engels for standing up to Mugabe.

“After reading about how Grace hit her and seeing the wounds, my heart broke. My first thought was that make-up will be able to cover the scar she will have on her forehead for the rest of her life. I then read that she has refused a bribe, and I said I needed to do something to show I admire her,”

If Engels accepts the course, she will be studying in Parktown Johannesburg. Willie Spies, AfriForum’s legal representative spoke to IOL about the offer.

“Her trauma counsellor will discuss it with her later this week. Ultimately it is her decision but it is an opportunity we will discuss with her,” Spies said.

AfriForum is currently working on getting the state to overturn the decision to grant Mugabe’s diplomatic immunity.