I can’t believe how my life has changed!

FROM the humble young man who eked out a living doing odd jobs like painting and gardening to the excited and broadly smiling man whose eyes are brimming with hope, excitement and dreams of a secure future for himself and his family, Bongani Mtolo is a changed man.

His story, featured in Berea Mail last week and on the newspaper website and social media platforms went viral as thousands of people, many of whom commented they shared his predicament, but who offered him words of support and encouragement as they shared his story across the globe.

Bongani, a qualified accountant, has not been able to find employment in his field of study since qualifying in 2011. He put his qualifications aside and took on odd jobs as a painter and gardener in order to support his family. Luyanda Sikhakhane, who employed Bongani as a gardener was surprised when she learnt of his qualifications and took to Facebook to highlight his predicament.

Speaking to Berea Mail on Saturday, a thrilled Bongani said he couldn’t believe how fast his life had changed. His biggest surprise was receiving a call from Calvin and Family Group in Umhlanga, who had seen his article in Berea Mail.

The company contacted me and offered me a job, I didn’t even have to go for an interview! They said I must just go in, that I’ve got the job. I am very happy that even though I don’t have any experience, they were willing to give me a chance! – he said.

Excited about the prospect of starting a career with the company, which deals with four different portfolios, Bongani said he was relieved and thankful to be given this opportunity.

“I couldn’t believe how my phone just didn’t stop ringing after the article was published. I got over 100 calls with offers, even one from a company in the UK which had seen the article and asked me to send my CV! I am happy with my choice of going with The Calvin and Family Group, I feel up to this and am very grateful,” he said.

Bongani said his advice to people in the same position as he was, was that they should not give up on pursuing their dream career.

Luyanda Sikhakhane, whose original post about Bongani on a Facebook page caught Berea Mail’s attention, said she had decided to do all she could to help Bongani because she had had a similar experience after finishing her engineering degree in 2002.

“I couldn’t find a job and had to go back to teaching, so I knew how he felt, I had been in his shoes before. The funny thing is that while I was applying for jobs and helping Bongani look for work, I had to decline two job offers. My advice to people is that you can never help anyone enough, do what you can, it always comes back to you!” she said.

Bongani thanked Luyanda for all she had done to help him, as if it hadn’t been for her post on Facebook, he wouldn’t be where he is today.

Having a Donald Trump moment during the interview, Luyanda laughed and said: “Well, I just want to say something now Bongani, ‘You’re fired!’ I don’t want you working at my house anymore! It feels so good to say that, knowing what is in store for him.”

She urged Bongani to never look down on anyone and to try help anyone who needs it.

Support and congratulations poured in from the public on the Berea Mail website after the news was published that Bongani had found employment.