Good Samaritan reaches out to renowned vendor
Wilhelm Fourie, a vendor who sells pot plants at the busy intersection of Louis Trichardt and 7th Avenue, received a donation on February 1.
The 58-year-old’s diligent efforts caught the eye of Debbie van Vuuren, owner of I Care Compressors, a Mayberry Park-based company.
The good Samaritan decided to donate at least 40 pot plants worth R700. Van Vuuren has previously been involved in numerous other charitable causes.
“I have had a hard life myself and I know just how he feels. Despite my company’s hardship during this pandemic, I wanted to encourage and empower him to be able to put food on the table as the battle gets worse for everyone,” she said.
Dedicated vendor
After being jobless for at least five years and knocking on every door without any luck, Fourie resorted to putting his expertise at work.
Originally from the West Rand, the Alberton North resident, also a qualified horticulturist, decided to stand at the intersection and sell pot plants.
He treats motorists to his collection of nature that comes in small packages at an affordable price.
“This is a new idea that no one has ever thought about before. I didn’t think it will work at first until I saw it starting to take off. I’m doing this for survival and I believe this could develop into something big. I decided to do this because I wanted to refrain from being a common beggar,” he said.
He told the RECORD his line of work comes with some sort of humiliation because people tend to look at him strangely as they pass by.
Fourie is a strong believer that his form of business can help eradicate the scourge of unemployment in the country.
“When other people see this they could duplicate it and it might help decrease youth unemployment. I have plenty of other ideas for improving this business and I’m going to introduce new concepts which will blow people’s minds,” he said.
He decided to focus on this kind of business because of its affordability and feasibility. He assured the RECORD if things work out in his line of work, he will look into starting a nursery.
Fourie, who struggled to hold back his tears, gladly welcomed the donation.
