Adrie Walters shared that she met Hendrik when she opened her coffee bar seven years ago, back then they didn’t have a great relationship but time taught them both lessons and today, life is filled with opportunities.
Ceres, South Africa (04 July 2023) – Adrie Walters opened her coffee bar in Ceres seven years ago. She along with many other business owners, were faced with the problem of beggars harassing clients. While Ceres is a small town, it is equally affected by social ills that sadly lead to people begging for money. Hendrik was one of those people.
Initially, Adrie attempted to help Hendrik but back then, he wasn’t very keen on the opportunities presented to him. Over the years, Adrie admits they clashed often.
As the years have passed, Hendrik has grown older. It is unclear what his life story is and while he is reluctant to share, he has been more open to working with Adrie and her all-female team of baristas. When Adrie recently approached him again, offering him work, he finally agreed and has been diligent at the work.
Hendrik has been hired as a caretaker, working to keep the small garden and streets outside the coffee bar clean. He works every Monday and Friday for a few hours, making sure the area is spotless.
She shared with supporters and customers that Hendrik has been added to the team via Facebook.
“Its never too late to make an effort with someone, to listen to them, to give them a chance.
We have tried to hurt each other, we have argued and shouted down the street at each other. But now we work together. He is such a good cleaner! He picks up every leaf in front of my shop and i make him coffee and joke around with him.
It took me 7 years to learn this important fact:
His name is Hendrik.
Welcome to the team bru.”
We caught up with Adrie to find out more about her and Hendrik’s story. We asked her what advice she has for other businesses. She encourages businesses to give people a chance, she has seen a few in Ceres that are now offering opportunities to people in need.
Adrie has noticed that Hendrik has a new vigour, he appears younger and healthier too. She hopes her customers will encourage Hendrik by praising his hard work. She believes that he will continue on this positive path, if his community embraces him again. Having once see people chase him with paintball guns, changing the community’s view of Hendrik and people like him who struggle in society, is a big step to making the world a better place.