Samaritan rescues ’seal woman’
Published: December 8, 2005
The “seal woman” is going to work herself out of her financial distress.
Elsie van Tonder, 48, whose nose was bitten off by a seal in October, received a new business gift on Tuesday - Dawie Petzer of Estate Delivery gave her a franchise.
Elsie lost her nose when she tried to help a seal, which was “lying and gasping” on a beach, back into the sea.
Petzer’s company, in Bellville, Cape Town, delivers fresh products and postal articles to busy households.
Petzer wrote a letter to Die Burger, responding to a report on Van Tonder’s financial straits.
He said: “I found this woman’s tremendous courage heartening; she reached out like that to an animal and in the process was harmed herself.
“In this article, I see that the woman also bears a heavy burden of caring for so many people. She put her pride in her pocket and asked for help.
Elsie overcome with joy
“That is the reason for this letter to you. Estate Delivery is prepared to donate a franchise to her.
“Now, she can not only begin looking after her family, but also be self-sufficient through this business.”
Elsie was overcome with joy when she heard the news.
“I’m very grateful and excited about the business. I’ll soon pick it up, because it’s the kind of work I’ve already done.
“I know I’ll make a success of it and I’m ready to begin immediately.”
She says she will not let the loss of her nose stand in the way of success.
“I’ve learned recently one mustn’t hide away. If people stop me in shops and ask what happened, I tell them.
Offer valued at $5000
“Soon, my nose will be fixed, and then people will have to get used to me all over again.”
The franchise offer, valued at R30 000 (circa US $5000), includes the use of the Estate Delivery concept, 500 advertisements, full training in managing the business, computer software, product lists, order forms, client agreements and a manual.
Petzer also promised to get surety for a computer for Elsie so that she could get to work at once.
Elsie is due in Cape Town for her third nose operation on December 18. During her stay in the city she will be trained and receive the computer.
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