A destitute Marlboro man is seeking assistance in finding employment so he can provide for his eight-year-old son.
Shafiq Islam (46), and his son, Muhammed live in dire conditions and are also assisted by Good Samaritan, Fathima Ebrahim.
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Once a prominent business owner with a general trading outlet in Hillbrow, Islam’s fate took an unexpected turn when the building he was leasing came under new ownership and he ultimately had to vacate. “The new owner did not want to lease the building to me, he wanted me to rent it but it was impossible for me because the price was too high.
“He ultimately gave me notice to look for other premises and then I could not find another place.” His efforts to recover the remaining balance on the lease agreement were met with hostility and violence.
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However, the new owner then offered to buy him out, but Islam refused. “He threatened me. Wanted to shoot and lock me up because he offered me R300 000 for my business and I refused.”
Islam is currently renting a room in a commune where he pays R2 200 a month, excluding water and electricity, but the living conditions are not good.
This led to him getting assistance from Ebrahim who said, “So for me, it’s just trying to help this family. There’s no income, and it’s him and the boy. I am trying to help, but I’m only one person and it’s kind of going beyond me.”
Last year, Muhammed was told to leave school because his father could not afford to pay his fees.
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He is set to start at a new school next week, with the help of Ebrahim.
“He’s going to have to repeat Grade 1 this year at a new school. I have tried to get in touch with the community and I found him another school, which was more than happy to take him in.”
Ebrahim has offered to pay for Muhammed’s fees and uniform and has called on other Good Samaritans to offer assistance where they can. “The idea is for them to be self-sustainable where they don’t need people like me to help them. We need to get him to a stage where he can actually pay his own rent and groceries.”
Islam was uncomfortable with accepting handouts and said would be happy to put his business skills to use and work so that he can support himself and his son. “I am pleading with anyone to help where they can; I am willing to work so that I can support myself and my son.”
Details: Fathima Ebrahim 082 801 8997; fathima2103@gmail.com.
