“I AM at ease; my heart is fulfilled,” sighed Thembelihle Ngcobo who once stood at the Westville intersection with sorrow in her eyes.
The sad young woman with very little hope, whom the Highway Mail wrote a story about last year, in September, has transformed into a joyful, bubbly mother of a beautiful 11-month-old baby who walks and speaks with so much confidence and happiness.
With help from many Good Samaritans, Ngcobo has transformed her life and is learning to sew, which was one of her dreams.
ALSO READ: Homeless young designer appeals for help
The Highway Mail wrote a story about Ngcobo who found herself homeless after she left the only home she knew on the South Coast to search for her mother who worked as a domestic worker in the Westville area.
The 23-year-old wore dark clothes covering almost her entire body and stood at the traffic lights, trying to make a living by showing off her designs with the hope that someone would recognise her talent.
Catching up with this brave lady at the Westville Methodist Church, where she is learning to sew, a different person showed up at the door.
“I was four months pregnant when the Highway Mail wrote a story about me – I did not know at the time. If it were not for the people who have love, who supported me and took me off the streets, I do not know where I would be.” She smiled.
“Among the many Good Samaritans, there is a lady who has become my everything – Rene Fourie – I have no words for that woman and her family.
“She took me in and said, ‘I will not leave you here on the road.’ Her family was very welcoming; I stayed with them for a while before she found me a place to rent.”
ALSO READ: Westville’s Kira cuts her hair for CANSA
Ngcobo said her wish now is to get a stable job and become independent.
“I have worked a few piece jobs; I want to be independent. Rene has been paying for my rent ever since she took me off the street. I want her to breathe. She has done so many things for me,” she said.
Asked about how she felt about the sewing course, Ngcobo beamed with a sparkle in her eyes. “I have learnt a lot in this short period. I am hoping I can use what I learn here to earn an income.”
Ngcobo thanked everyone who has assisted her in the past year. “I am grateful to each and every one of you,” she said.
Ashley Sellwood, who teaches sewing at the church, said they started the course in September, and everyone is welcome as it is an empowerment programme.
“We have classes on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Among the programmes, the church also offers literacy and computer programmes,” said Sellwood.
People who wish to take part in these empowerment programmes can email Sellwood at outreach@westvillemethodist.co.za.
