Alex; from printing to poverty
RECORD took some time to speak to one of the people, mostly considered to be a nuisance, who make a living by begging at a set of traffic lights.
We all have a story and circumstances in our lives that brought us (or at least contributed to it) to where we are.
This is Alex’s story and the RECORD took some time to speak to one of the people, mostly considered to be a nuisance, who make a living by begging at a set of traffic lights.
Alex Shikwambane has been begging at the intersection of Hart Avenue and Hennie Alberts street, in Meyersdal, for the past three years.
The deep lines and blue-tinged eyes of the man belie his true age of 56; perhaps a result of standing out in the elements for hours on end.
Alex is from Tinasonke, Tokoza and worked for most of his working life in printing, for several different companies; as well as a stint in a shoe warehouse.
After badly burning his right leg in a paraffin fire, Alex has been begging to try to survive.
“I tried finding work, but I can’t get anything permanent. It’s always just temporary work, so I decided to do this instead, said Alex.
“My leg hurts after all the time standing here. It’s not an easy life,” he added.
When asked how much he may make on any given day, Alex replied: “Some days are okay; others, not so much. Sometimes it’s just R20, then it can be R50 on another day. It changes,” Alex explained.
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