Friendly in the face of criticism
Some people swear at Daniel Phakathi when he refuses their employment.
He prefers offering a service to passing motorists.
The 35-year-old collects people’s waste with a plastic bag at the robot on the corner of Great North Road and Oak Street.
Despite the occasional f-word flung his way, he continues to smile widely at the busy intersection.
When asked how he maintains his friendly disposition in the face of criticism, he said: ”It’s God.”
Phakathi said he praises God every time he gets, to ask Him to provide for him and his family.
He is grateful for any donation, and hopes he will soon be given, or be able to afford a microwave, fridge, and couch.
A reader recently sent a letter to the City Times about the ”amazing man”.
”He collects recycling materials from people with a wave and a smile, is never ever aggressive, always just carries on walking down the line of cars and is generally a pleasure,” said the letter from Hayley Hynd.
”On top of that, though, I have regularly seen him assist small children across the busy Oak Street on their way to Arbor.
”He does not ask for anything in return, and I have started bringing all my recycling to him, as well as old books, old clothes – you name it – I just pop my boot and he grabs from me.”
The Barcelona resident said he is happy with his job and would prefer for people to employ his family, as he earns more money on the street than he would doing piece-jobs.
He walks away with between R70 and R150 on average per day, then has the cost of taxi fare to and from his workplace.
