Deborah Mogane-Figueira, who was on the verge of being destitute overnight after her R3-million family-run business was looted, has vowed to become a beacon of hope.
The Randhart entrepreneur has promised to leave her luxury and hit the streets to beg for every individual and business that was severely affected by looting.
This follows an unrest that occurred across the country in July 2021, which left the mother of three and her family with millions of rands worth of losses amid looting.
Afterwards, things took a turn for the worse and their livelihoods were gone in the blink of an eye. However, little did Deborah know her downfall would help change the lives of others.
“We had our business looted overnight. They took our safe, which had money in it. This was a traumatic experience. We lost everything, with no insurance. We then saw ourselves being homeless and wondered how we were going to pay rent, food, school fees and other expenses,” Deborah said.
She said at the time, they had been paying off a loan taken on the business and were left with just three months to finish it off.
“We suffered a major loss. Despite many applications and communication made to government for assistance, we never got any response. But we have since started picking up the pieces to rebuild our lives,” she explained.
In an exclusive interview, Deborah told the RECORD unemployment is one of the issues close to her heart.
Rebirth of greatness
From this distressing ordeal, a foundation called Debra the Beggar was born.
In November 2021, she opted to initiate a foundation with the intent to use her reliable list of contacts and put jobseekers’ names forward and businesses needing assistance.
“I started the foundation because I’m used to lending a helping hand. I feel every beggar has a name and a story to tell. I’m now committing as a concerned local to go out and beg for every single person and business that was adversely affected by the looting to be revived,” said Deborah.
She reiterated that through Debra the Beggar, not only will she hold up her placard and beg for others, but she will also knock on everyone’s door to get as much help as possible.
“As mothers, if we go out there and beg for any company to take in just one more child, they will eventually make space for them. We all must hold hands and do something to bring about change. Should we curb unemployment, we shall have resolved many societal issues,” she explained.
Deborah recently went to Bruma in Johannesburg to beg on behalf of a couple of designers needing designing machines and secured one machine for the duo.
In a few months’ time, she will be spearheading a campaign called Woza Nathi, ‘come with us’. This is a movement where financially affected businesses will be able to appeal for financial assistance from other operational and thriving businesses.
Should you wish to come on board, contact Deborah on 071 340 7734 or at figueiradeb@gmail.com
