WATCH: ‘Invisible Man’ longs to start his own business

Curiosity followed by an eruption of laughter can be heard from nearly every car as Gift Hlahane (35) makes his way through traffic

.It is peak hour traffic with motorists making their way to Great North Road and Mercury Street to start their morning commute, and the ‘Invisible Man’ is on duty, coaxing smiles from frustrated road users.

While some reward his creativity with spare change, others marvel at his costume.

The former Daveyton resident first made his appearance at some of the city’s major intersections last year, but admits that he has been honing his hustle since 2005 at the age of 17.

“Before his untimely death, my best friend taught me how to juggle,” said Gift.

“I would travel to Boksburg, Eastgate and Sandton to perform in the hopes of making some money. My mom was working in Botswana at the time, so I was left to fend for myself.”

As more dancing troops and aerial performers started claiming intersections as their stages, Gift soon found that donations were drying up.

“I am a family man. I live with my wife, three kids and dog in the location in Springs,” he said, the burden of providing for his family weighing heavily on his shoulders.

“I knew I needed to up my game if I had any hope of putting food on the table.”

After reading a story about a headless chicken, Gift found the inspiration to create the ‘Invisible Man’.

Sporting his customary red tam and aviator sunglasses, this illusive entertainer steps into character as he takes his place at the busy intersection.

“I don’t come every day due to transport costs,” he said.

“If motorists see you too often, they block out your existence but if you sporadically appear they seem to be more giving.
“I prefer working on the weekends as people are more relaxed and enjoy a good laugh.”

Speaking of his career choice, Gift says the ‘Invisible Man’ is a stepping stone to his ultimate dream of starting his own business.
“I want to start a fresh French fry business. I did it before and my income was sustainable,” he said.

“But I was using a friend’s gas stove and bottle which he needed back. My business folded before it had the opportunity to grow.
“I’d love to try again. Everything I earn here is just enough to feed my family for a couple of days.

“I pray to God that someone would see my ambition and assist me in getting the tools I need to start again.”

Waving at motorists and doing a little dance, Gift says he often sits on the sidewalk crying.

“It is not easy to have a dream but not the means to make it come true,” he said, his voice strained.

“My family rely on me and that is why I keep coming back to put on a show.

“Every day I pray that God helps my path cross with someone who can just give me a hand up.”

Gratefully accepting R10 from a passing motorist, Gift says that while some motorists are kind and giving, others subject him to harsh abuse.

“People swear at me, calling me some of the most awful things. Others have thrown ice cold water in my face.

“The scariest incident was when a motorist sped directly at me,” he said.

“But the kind and caring people of Benoni outweigh the bullies.

“Those who greet me with kindness give me the strength to put on my mask and do another little dance.”

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