End of a dream
SANDTON - In June, Sandton residents were warmed by the story of Joseph Phukube, a young beggar who received a job thanks to the help of resident Pam Green, but sadly this fairy tale does not have a happy ending.
Green posted Phukube’s picture on Facebook which lead to over 1 000 job offers. More than two months on, Phukube is back on the streets after failing to overcome an addiction.
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Green came across the 22-year-old Phukube on 30 June, who was standing on the side of the street with his matric certificate looking for work. She posted a picture of the young man on Facebook which led to an unprecedented flurry of job offers, donations and bursaries.
Soon Phukube was employed by car sharing company Locomute and had found accommodation in Olivienhoutsbosch with the company paying for his expenses. But though Phukube was ready to take on the new opportunities handed to him, and Green established the #secondchances organisation to socialise and help those who are jobless to find work, it was discovered one month ago that Phukube was still actively abusing Nyaope.
Green said that when she met Phukube, he claimed that he was clean but he in fact lied to her and was still addicted. She added that he was admitted into a five-day detox programme and a 21-day outpatient programme at a top rehabilitation clinic.
Phukube had been making progress until the week ending 4 September when Locomute and Green discovered that he had failed to attend his appointments at the clinic. Green said he had been leaving work at 1pm with transport money from the company, but used it to feed his addiction.
On 2 September, Green became worried after she was unable to contact Phukube and Locomute had lost contact with him as well. Green added that on 4 September, he had not shown up to work so she went to Phukube’s home to find him using Nyaope with a friend. Phukube was subsequently evicted from his place of accommodation and is back on the street.
Brand executive of Locomute, Vuyisile Majola said, “It is quite an unfortunate situation, but Locomute has terminated Phukube’s employment.”
Majola added that the company will still be working with Pam Green and #secondchances.
Green concluded, “I am heartbroken and sad. It just made me realise that we can help people if they need it, but they need to help themselves. I’m trying to process this whole situation, but I will not stop helping people.”
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