Community support and social media have transformed Sandile Cele’s life from homelessness to hopefulness with safety, shelter and stable employment in less than a month.
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (24 June 2024) – Poverty in South Africa is one of our biggest challenges, with many stories trending daily of people in need. However, in the middle of these hardships, heart-warming stories of community support and compassion shine through.
One such story is that of Sandile Cele, a 26-year-old whose life has been transformed thanks to the kindness of strangers and the power of social media.
Dasen Thathiah, a senior reporter at eNCA, has been sharing Sandile’s journey on X (Twitter), bringing hope and inspiration to many.
The story began on Election Day when Dasen met Sandile at Hoy Park in Durban. After a press conference, Sandile approached him, not asking for money but simply for something to eat. This humble request led to a conversation that revealed Sandile’s struggle since losing his mother in 2016. Despite his efforts to find work, he remained unemployed and homeless.
Touched by Sandile’s situation, Dasen shared his story on social media. He posted a video of Sandile, urging anyone who could help to reach out. This simple act of kindness set off a chain reaction.
We met Sandile Cele at Hoy Park (Durban) on #ElectionDay after attending a press conference.
He asked us for something to eat, and not money. We ended up having a chat.
He’s homeless, after losing his mother in 2016.
Although Sandile has tried a few things, he’s still out… pic.twitter.com/ztLgcX7CA6
— Dasen Thathiah (@DasenThathiah) June 1, 2024
On the 12th of June 2024, Dasen posted an exciting update. Sandile’s story had gone viral, resulting in several job offers. Sandile had reconnected with Thathiah and another supporter, Nkanyiso Njabulo, after a brief period of being unreachable due to his broken phone.
Remember Sandile Cele?
Here’s the update you’ve been waiting for.
I’m excited to announce he’s received some job offers after his post went viral. He’s now in the process of deciding which is most suitable.
Sandile got in touch with @nkanyisonjabz and I after we went… pic.twitter.com/snQpgaBfkP
— Dasen Thathiah (@DasenThathiah) June 12, 2024
As the days passed, the outpouring of support continued. On the 22nd of June 2024, Dasen shared more good news. Sandile had secured a job as a sales and administration agent at a logistics company in Johannesburg, with an initial 12-month contract. He expressed his excitement and gratitude for this life-changing opportunity.
Ashwin’s generosity didn’t stop with initial support; he ensured Sandile could sustain himself in Johannesburg by covering his rent, food, and other necessities until his first paycheque.
Social media has exploded with positive comments on Daen’s posts.
“This is what the country needs, one Sandile at a time. Thank you Mr Sweeper, The logistics company and Ash. Ash, I pray ten fold blessing. May you have enough cash to help people. You gift right there.” – AsanteGraceX
“Great Stuff Dassen, we truly appreciate this. More Blessings to you, Sandile and the giving hearts that heeded this call. Asibonge.” – PumlaPot
“Great stuff, Dasen as usual. South Afrikans in general are a giving bunch, loving and caring🥰🥰😇. Sandile needs to pay it forward as well one day.” – Mokone_Eddie
This story is a powerful reminder of the impact of community and compassion. Thanks to the collective efforts of many, Sandile has moved from homelessness to stability, employment, and a promising future. Sandile’s story is proof that when we come together, we can make incredible things happen.
In the words of Dasen, “Good vibes all round indeed. 🫶🏽🇿🇦”