‘Maybe tomorrow will be better’
"I knew I had to survive somehow so I went to the market and bought my first batch of fruit and vegetables."
As the world marked Refugee Day last month, it was discovered that many refugees flee their countries in hopes of a better life but they are still facing huge challenges.
With unemployment in South Africa on the rise, many are forced to make ends meet by making money the unconventional way.
Idu Makole, a 20-year-old who was born in Mozambique decided to leave his country for what he thought would be a better life in South Africa, “Things in Mozambique with my family aren’t good. In fact, they’ve never been good because my family does not have a lot of money, I decided to come to South Africa to look for a job but work is scarce,” he said.
After weeks of trying to find work, Mokole decided to borrow money from a neighbour in order to start his fruit and vegetable trolley business.
“I knew I had to survive somehow so I went to the market and bought my first batch of fruit and vegetables. I used to sit on a corner and sell my stock but no one ever bought from me, that corner was quiet,” said Mokole.
“I then decided to put my stock in a trolley and push it around so I could sell my stock in different streets, I thought maybe more people would see what I am selling,” he added.
Makole said that he starts pushing his trolley in the streets of Eldorado Park and Freedom Park as early as 7 am and gets home when it is dark on most days.
“I have to walk far distances to sell my fruit and vegetables. Some days I go back home without selling anything but I have to wake up the next morning and try again. I always tell myself maybe tomorrow will be better,” said Makole.
“If there is one lesson I have learned in life, it’s to be grateful for what you have even if it is very little. Life is difficult for me but I need to make sacrifices to help my family,” he added.
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