Carwash get youngsters off the street

Willie Matjie came up with an idea to open the world of job opportunities for youngsters in Diepsloot and Fourways areas through his non-profit organisation, Umoja Simunye.

This after he was pained by the lives of the youngsters who grew up in front of him and seemed to have a bright future ahead of them started to abuse substances.

“I am talking about people who were able to complete their matric but find themselves trapped in drugs. When you ask them, they say is because there isn’t much to do with their lives in terms of work opportunities.”

Matjie was able to fulfil his mission to get these youngsters back on their feet through his youth empowerment project. He assisted Bongani Maringa in opening his own carwash named Bongz on September 23. He said he did it from the kindness of his heart and using his own money.

“Bongani dropped out of school and I used to see him on the street washing other people’s cars. He used to wash my car as well and would ask me to help him with applying for jobs as I drove around in my car. He has been asking me since January. I could not make it or get him anywhere even as a gardener. So, that is why I decided to do this for him.

“I was telling him that if he finds an opportunity, he should grab it with both hands so that other people can take over because the carwash is something to keep those in need busy. For instance, if you want to write a curriculum vitae because someone is hiring in Fourways, then you can come to make money so that they don’t struggle with money for transport.”

Matjie told us that he is not only focused on the carwash business as a start to get youth off the streets but also getting ideas for more.

“You know the ladies who are interested in baking or those who sell veggies in trolleys – we assist them in getting their first stock then they can continue with running the business. I just don’t want them to wait for jobs but be busy with something while waiting if they wish to.”

He said his heart was full because the community was also supportive of his first project over the weekend. He tells us more are set to follow in Fourways even though his wish is to do it all over the country.