Qualified but still sleeps in the streets of Turffontein
Came to Turffontein for better opportunities but he's still without a home and a job.
GREY Osuuin (44) is a qualified welder and also boast skills of a painter – yet despite his qualifications, he is still jobless.
He left his home in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg, to seek better opportunities to provide for his family of five. But, in the midst of his search for a job, he lost his identity document (ID) and trade certificates. This made it hard for him to find any job. He also struggled to find accommodation. Today he sleeps on the streets of Turffontein.
He says he wants to apply for an ID but does not have the money nor does he have the money to apply for an ID at the home affairs.
It has been three years since he left his home. He now relies on a community feeding scheme for food and clothes.
He told COURIER he opted to rather stay on the streets than go back home empty-handed. “Sleeping in the streets is not what I desired while growing up. All I wanted was to be a professional welder.
“Going back home is not an option at this stage because I haven’t acceded to my family’s expectations to be the breadwinner,” said Grey. He thinks he will be seen as a failure in life if he were to go back home in his current financial situation.
He told the COURIER he has never worked for any company before. He has often done piece jobs, and that most of the companies he applies for a position demand he produces an ID and trade papers which he has lost.
“I don’t want to give up. I still believe I will be reunited with my family one day. In every man’s life there is a testimony behind it,” Grey added.
One of his friends living with him on the streets said, “We are living here because opportunities are scarce for people like us. But, Grey and I are trying to make ends meet.”
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