Homeless locals appeal for assistance

Chery Roberts and Alan Pretorius, who can be found at the corner of Claribel Road and Lillian Ngoyi Road, are appealing to the community for donations for a new umbrella to sit under at their daily post in Windemere.

Cheryl Roberts has been taking care Alan Pretorius for more than a decade since the death of his mother who was his primary caretaker. Photo: Nia Louw

FOR more than a decade, 62-year-old Cheryl Roberts and 45-year-old Alan Pretorius have sat at the corner of Claribel Road and Lilian Ngoyi Road near Windemere Centre where they ask for donations of money from passing cars.

Pretorius has multiple health issues and sits in his wheelchair, and Roberts, his caretaker, sits in a chair alongside him under an umbrella that protects both of them from the harsh sun. However, recently, the pair can be found in their usual spot without their umbrella because, according to Roberts, their previously used umbrella broke, and the daily sun exposure is taking a toll on them, especially on Pretorius. “I take care of Alan; I have been since his mother passed away ten years ago, and with all of his health issues, he can’t afford to be sunburnt, too. Without the umbrella, we sit in the blazing-hot sun. It is more than myself I am worried about – I’m mostly worried for Alan,” said Roberts.

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The issue was brought up by local resident Teresa Moriarty who encouraged Roberts and Pretorius to appeal to the community for help. “Cheryl and Alan are like a landmark in Berea; they are here every day and have been for years. They are so well-known and are extremely friendly and well-liked. Anyone who’s from Berea who drives near Windemere Centre knows them and knows that they are good people. They are in need of an umbrella, and it would be amazing if someone could also donate a new folding chair for Cheryl – hers is so worn out and old, but she has no other choice but to use it because she sits there and takes care of Alan.”

Moriarty says that Cheryl and Alan are a worthy cause. “I really encourage people to donate what they can – it would make such a big difference in their lives.”

Cheryl Roberts with Alan Pretorius with Berea resident Theresa Moriarty. Photo: Nia Louw

If you would like to make a donation, you can find Roberts and Pretorius at the corner of Claribel Road and Lilian Ngoyi Road near Windermere Centre.

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