Struggling to find work, yet still volunteers

Ernest Sentsho Mohlamonyanne is desperate to find work himself, yet he still volunteers every Saturday at the Roodepoort Parkrun.

Ernest’s qualifications include matric and an IT qualification, however after he lost his job during the Covid-19 pandemic he has had difficulty finding another.

Ernest explained his willingness to volunteer, despite struggling, is because he does not just want to sit around and do nothing, nor does he want to ask for money – he wants to work. He further stated that volunteering motivates him to continue sending out his CV in hopes of finding a job. He added that volunteering is becoming harder as he has to wake up at 04:00 to get to the park.

Ernest is a hard worker and even goes up and down collecting cans for a little money. This money is not enough to live off as he has two children he also needs to support, other than himself. He even sold both his stove and washing machine for cash.

He also expressed his worries that employers might not take him seriously due to the trouble he has with his phone; he is unable to charge it often, which means he can not always answer calls or messages.

Currently, Ernest has no home as he was unable to afford rent, he further owes money to those who have helped him in the past, yet he can not pay them back. Ernest stated he has met numerous people who offered him work, yet they never came through and he is still struggling, leaving him feeling hopeless.

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All he currently desires is to have this weight lifted from his shoulders. Ernest can be found at the Roodepoort parkrun at the Len Rutter Park in Florida Park every Saturday morning between 08:00 and 09:00.

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Alternatively, he can be contacted on 079 179 9773.