Morning smiles from Jonas for Bedfordview motorists

For the last 17 years, Jonas Mpholo has been a welcome face to motorists in Bedfordview.

The 35-year-old single father sells newspapers at the intersection of Boeing Road West and Civin Road, under the bridge.

He celebrated his birthday on October 6 and said he thrives on making residents’ morning commute easier.

Many residents have lauded him as the friendliest newspaper seller in Johannesburg.
From 6.30am every morning those passing under the bridge on their way to school drop-offs or work are greeted with smiles, waves and the occasional blown kiss.

“When you sell newspapers you need to build a relationship with the people who support you. You need to be friendly.

“I see these people every day and they see me. Some people have supported me for the past 17 years and I’ve watched them grow and seen how their families grow,” Jonas said.

He added that being friendly is the key to getting motorists to buy newspapers.

“When you’re happy, no matter what’s going on in your life, people will support you. I give residents a reason to support me,” Jonas said.

What many people may not know is that Jonas lives in Vereeniging and travels to Bedfordview every morning to sell his newspapers.

“I do it to support my two children, a girl aged 13 and a boy aged 10. I would do anything for them,” he said.

Sadness overcomes him for a moment as he recalled losing his wife nine years ago.

“She died in a taxi crash when my son was just one. I’ve been a single dad since then. It wasn’t easy then and it still isn’t now, but we make it work,” Jonas said.

But selling newspapers doesn’t pay all the bills, especially if Jonas has to pay R100 each day just for his transport.

He makes up the rest of his income doing odd jobs for residents in the area.

Jonas has also put his life on the line for the community, stopping muggers and getting involved when a smash-and-grab incident took place under the bridge in December last year.

Although he had to receive medical treatment for injuries sustained during the ordeal he said he would do it all over again.

“Women say they feel safe when I’m here and it makes me happy,” he said.

“I want to thank the community for their support over the years. Without them I wouldn’t be able to support my children,” Jonas said.