From homeless to hope-giver! Ramees Jansen managed to turn his life around with a pair of clippers last year, and now he’s restoring dignity to Cape Town’s homeless community one free haircut at a time.
Cape Town, South Africa (19 October 2026) – There is much to admire about a person who’s been dealt a hard hand in life, yet perseveres to steer themselves onto a better course while helping others find their feet too. This best captures the story of an inspiring man named Ramees Jansen.
Ramees was once homeless, unemployed, and struggling to get by. Determined to turn his life around, he picked up a pair of clippers. Today, he uses his skills to give back to those walking the same difficult road he once travelled.
He can usually be found on a Cape Town city centre corner, close to The Service Dining Rooms (SDR), offering free haircuts to those in need – an act that not only gives him purpose, but restores dignity, confidence, and hope to every person who sits in his chair.
Popular social media personality and philanthropist Chad Nathan recently came across Ramees’ station while driving through Cape Town and was immediately moved by his mission. During a quick chat, Ramees shared that he started giving free haircuts last year while struggling to secure a job, and is now close to reaching 1,000 haircuts. He added that it is only through public support and donations that he’s able to continue this work.
Ramees has also been featured on various other platforms, where he’s spoken openly about his journey. Even though he has come a long way and established his own mobile barbershop, he has never forgotten where he came from.
He encourages the public (and paying clients who can afford it) to donate R85 to help fund clippers and equipment, ensuring those in need can get a fresh haircut and a little bit of hope.
Inspired by Ramees’ dedication, Chad has rallied his own followers and supporters to donate to his Raising Hope campaign, with all funds raised directly supporting Ramees’ initiative in the coming week.
Ramees has found that changing someone’s life can start with something as simple as a haircut – a small gesture that brings renewed confidence, opens doors to employment, and helps people reintegrate into society. And it goes without saying that we’re fans of his work!
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