Mother and son duo, Pamela Botha and Dustin Powdrell, are in a constant battle with both the elements and criminality. While resting under the shade of a tree near their makeshift sleeping quarters, Pamela and Dustin shared their story.
These West Rand natives have been at their current location for several months. Pamela and Dustin moved back to Johannesburg two years ago after Pamela’s common law husband passed away due to complications with diabetes. They had been living in Port Shepstone and decided to move back in order to be closer to family. A breakdown in the family relationship left them on the streets.
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https://www.citizen.co.za/roodepoort-record/2019/07/05/assistance-needed-to-feed-the-homeless/
Dustin, who described himself as a tradesman, has been left partially disabled. He claimed he was hit by a car in Florida and sustained a broken ankle. He also said that he has had two operations on the ankle but they have left him worse off than before. He is planning to go back to the government hospital that treated him on those two occasions but commuting is very difficult for him, resulting in him spending much of his day slumped under a tree, unable to walk.
Pamela, who once worked as a credit controller, fears for her life on a daily basis, claiming the incidents of crime are never-ending. Drug users often steal their belongings and she said that their clothes, food, money and personal items are always under threat. Her cellphone and ID are stored at a nearby shop in order to keep them safe. Pamela added that they don’t bother to report any crimes anymore, as they have no faith in law enforcement.
Their rudimentary shelter is made up of bubble wrap, a torn foam mattress, old carpet, various sheets of plastic packaging and donated blankets. These items huddled together are all that separate Pamela and Dustin from the dangers of the outside world. But, even with the uncertainty and the everyday pressures, Pamela still manages to wear a smile.
Dustin and Pamela’s story is just another in the long list of unfortunate individuals placed in unfortunate situations. Economic turmoil at national level and general lawlessness have only compounded the situation of these two. Our nation is filled with the unemployed and destitute and the generosity of their fellow South Africans is what keeps them alive. Pamela is grateful for everything she is donated but her main concern is for her son who lives in agony on the side of the road. Her only ambition is to get him adequate medical treatment so he may walk the path to rebuilding his life.
