No way out for beggar in Glenanda

HOW many times have you pulled up at traffic lights and been asked for money by a woman with a baby or toddler? Women and children can be seen at many stop streets and traffic lights, begging for money to live and often the older children are sent to car windows to ask for money or food.

Many suspect the babies aren’t their real children and are ‘rented’ for a few Rand in order get more money from those who feel sorry for them.

Wishing for a proper job

Twenty-year-old *Sarah stands in Glenanda with her 18 month-old baby girl and begs as a means to make a living. She lives in central Johannesburg with her sister and says she’s from Zimbabwe. “I came here for a better life. I still like it better here than in Zimbabwe but I don’t like having to beg. I arrive here most days around 9am and leave for home at 4pm. When it’s very cold I don’t come.” When asked how much money she can make in a day, she said, “Sometimes R50, other days a little more.” She said she hopes to have a proper job one day so she can live in a proper house with water and electricity.

*Rachel has a three-year-old boy and begs at traffic lights in the South. She was fearful to say much. She said it’s not nice having to beg but it’s the only way she can get money. “I have tried to get work but I never went to a proper school and I can’t read. I feel sad for my boy because he stands or sits with me and has nothing to do all day. When it’s cold, he’s cold and in summer it gets very hot. I want to do something else but can’t.” She said she lives in Turffontein but gets more money where she begs here than close to where she lives. “Some people won’t even look at me and don’t give me money. Some are kind, however, and give me money. Often it is R1 or R2.”

Depending on kindness

Regina Kwindi (26), is a mother who lost everything and depends on the kindness of motorists so that she can take care of her two-year-old daughter Alice, and provide her with a better life.

Growing up, Alice did not have much – except big dreams. She hoped to become a fashion designer but, when she was only two years old, her mother passed away. When she was in Grade Six, her father passed away as well. She could not finish school because she had to figure out how to be completely independent and look after herself. Because she was so young, it was quite a struggle.

Things seemed to improve in her life when she met Alice’s dad a few years ago. She was very much in love and had hope for their future together. She also had a decent job at a clothing factory and finally felt as if her life was coming together. Shortly after Alice was born, however, Regina and Alice’s father separated when he decided to move to Zimbabwe. Regina lost her job and she and Alice were left penniless.

Today, they live in a tiny flat in central Johannesburg. Every morning, Regina travels to Alberton in the hope of making enough money to feed her baby and herself, and to pay their rent. She goes to Alberton because in comparison to areas closer to where she lives, it is very quiet and peaceful. She arrives at 10am and leaves at 5pm. Every day she hopes that someone will notice her and offer her a job as a housekeeper or nanny perhaps.

“I love to work and I would love a job,” she says. She also has hope for her child’s future. “I want Alice to work hard and finish school. I want to be with her every step of the way and give her a good life,” she says.

Regina would like to thank everyone who has ever helped her with a kind donation. “I hope they notice my grateful smile,” she says.

*Names changed for fear of being identified.

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