A social auxiliary worker at MES Kempton Park, Soul Malatji, assisted Tshepo Baloyi (36) at the community hall in Birchleigh during the harsh Covid-19 lockdown in 2020. This story aims to breathe life into the hopelessness among the homeless in Kempton Park, as the local MES branch’s marketing assistant Luwanda Conco shared some inspiration.
Originating from a village called Ga-Mothiba in Limpopo, Baloyi came to the city of Kempton Park in September of 2019 in search of a job, Conco said. However, things did not turn out as he had expected.
“As the days went by without him being able to secure a job, he soon ran out of the little funds he had saved up when he first arrived in Kempton Park. He then turned to recycling on the streets in order to garner money for food.”
Once he joined the MES Kempton Park shelter, Baloyi was encouraged to join the MES GROW (God Restore Our World) Recycling Programme. Through the course of 2020, he attended the GROW workshops and bible study sessions.
Conco said: “He even attended the life coaching classes, which were offered by a volunteer, in addition to a Covid-19 awareness course which he has received a certificate for.”
His eagerness to keep learning and feeding his mind and spirit helped him to stay motivated and hold firm to the belief that he still has the chance to turn his life around for the better. Baloyi made a strong impression on Malatji, as he stated: “I have worked very closely with Tshepo in the GROW Project. His participation in the skills courses and the recycling projects clearly turned his outlook on life around.
ALSO READ: Police must protect, not kill
“He always maintained the highest level of determination with every task he took part in. I am sure that Tshepo is going to have a bright future and will go back to his community to make a positive impact to the youth,” said the social auxiliary worker.
Baloyi is looking forward to the opportunities 2021 has in store for him as he wants to motivate those in a similar situation he was in before MES Kempton Park helped him.
“Brother and sister, I know that it is hard out there on the streets but don’t lose hope,” he said.
“You still have a chance at having a better future. Don’t look back where you come from but instead look forward and think positively. Invite God into your life, because He is the one who can help you.”
Also follow us on:
