South Africans regularly experience beggars on the roadside but some people are genuinely seeking a chance for change, with a sign in hand they make it happen.
Unemployment is rife in South Africa. Sometimes a person can submit up to 30 CV’s a day and nearly never get a response. This can lead to desperation.
A desperate person can often take the wrong path and end up getting lost in a life of crime or other dark coping mechanisms. It takes real strength and dedication to rise above the ‘easy’ route.
Every South African has seen someone on the roadside begging, sometimes they have a sign in hand and sometimes not. If you have ever seen a man or woman on the roadside, well groomed and holding a sign asking for help, you have most likely done a double take. This is becoming a common sight, because people are desperate to be seen and heard.
We have received these stories time and time again, of people helping those willing to do the work. Here are some pictures and stories of the people holding signs, fighting to get a job!
The first image was taken by Melissa Conradie in Cape Town, on the 14th August 2017. She shared the image and someone came forward, they have contacted the man and a meeting has been set. An update is on the way shortly but we thought we would share the inspiring sign so long.
“Teach me how to fish rather than give me fish”
Tom, a Johannesburg street vendor used his sign to let people know his plans to become a legit business and any support towards him was another step towards his goal. We shared Tom’s story in July 2017.
“My name is Tom. Please help to start and expand my business. Regards”
The next story is of a dedicated engineer that stood on the side of the road holding her sign and handing out CV’s in the hopes of getting a job. We shared her full story here in May 2016.
“No one owes me anything, we have to do everything for ourselves. That’s why I took matters into my own hands, I couldn’t just sit around. I had to everything possible to get work.”
These stories are so uplifting and inspirational. If you have any similar to this, share them with us and we will update this list.
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