From ‘hobo’ to hope – how love conquered homelessness

The community is frequently urged to share missing person posters on social media to help find some of the town’s lost souls, yet we seldom hear the outcome of these situations.

The case of Anton Kruger can serve as an inspiration. Kruger, who after spending three years on the street, for the past two months has dedicated himself to his own betterment. The 43-year-old not only looks like a new man but is perhaps also a completely changed person. He has been working hard to pick up the pieces of his life not only for himself and his health but also for his family.

Kruger went missing in February and his sister, Leanie Visser, told the Krugersdorp News that with the help of so many people, they found him on March 22.

“The day we found him, we took him to the Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital as he needed urgent medical attention. The hospital was amazing!”

Anton had to wait five days for a bed and stayed in casualties during this time, he was still in a bad state of mind and had asked his family to help him. On the fifth day, he was admitted and had to be evaluated. Visser said once again the doctors were amazing and 10 days later they were called to fetch her brother.

Anton asked to stay in West Village where the family is currently renting a room for him. As a boilermaker and welder, he easily found work living near the industrial area.

“After being discharged, he found work in Randfontein within two days.”

He now makes use of public transport to get to work and back home again.

But Anton wasn’t completely out of the woods just yet. He needed an urgent hernia operation and was referred to Leratong Hospital. He spent two days getting X-rays and blood tests before being admitted.

“A doctor approached Anton asking for his file, the next thing the doctor told the nurse to add Anton to his theatre list.”

Dr Tamaz Gvilia was preparing for their Nelson Mandela Day surgical marathon. A nurse later informed Visser that her brother had been chosen as part of their surgical backlog catch-up marathon and was placed on the list for Gauteng provincial hospitals.

Kruger was operated on the next day and is now doing well. He also visits the Krugersdorp Central Clinic for his medication.

Visser wants the following people who played a vital role in Anton’s recovery:

– Paula who kept a close eye on her brother over the years. She said she has a lot of respect for her as she has always been kind to her brother
– She would like to thank a gentleman who hands out pizzas to homeless people, which included Anton
– Vic and Thomas for helping them the day they found Anton and who still checks in on him
– Phukati who always stopped to give Anton something to eat and have a little conversation with him
– To all the staff at Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital and the doctor for selecting him for the operation. The normal waiting period would have been seven months.
– Lastly, she wants to thank every person who helped them and her brother during this time

“And to each and everyone that helped him through his ‘hobo’ days, as he calls it, thank you.”