Juggling gives Kgutlang another chance at life
Kgutlang Hlahane shares how he has turned over a new leaf after he was released from prison a decade ago.
Come scorching heat or pouring rain, Kgutlang Hlahane showcases his juggling skills at traffic intersections, preferring this path over his criminal past.
Hlahane got involved in house robberies, but came back a changed man after his arrest in 2006. He admits it was poor life decisions and his challenging background that led to his time in prison, however, something significant happened upon his release that inspired him to turn his life around in 2010.
He is now easing off the traffic for motorists by giving them a juggling performance on Witkoppen Road in Sunninghill.
The 34-year-old from Eastvale, Springs said he came to this point after he saw his little brother juggling balls and sticks to make money from it.
“I remembered my love for entertaining people and thought maybe I should join him. It was also my way to redeem myself and stop what I was doing. This was after I was released from jail. My little brother agreed to teach me how to juggle and from there we had our own spots which we targeted to perform for people on the road.”
He holds onto his hopes and dreams, believing that one day he will emerge from the streets just as he did from prison.
“It is not easy. I have been doing this for a long time but do not see any progress. It is hard. But what keeps me going is the fact that I can assist my mother with some of the necessities in the house. I have appealed in the media before, but not even one sponsor came through to recognise my talent. If I could get an agent maybe or someone who will be able to get me gigs, so that I could stop working at traffic lights.
“I do not only juggle; I can also stilt walk and do other artistic things. The problem is that I do not have the equipment but these are the things I am also talented at. I dreamed of being a pilot but later had interest in business because I love being my own boss.
He said he does not travel to Sunninghill for his job but has erected a shack just down the road to sleep after long hours of work in the sun.
“I do not make a lot of money from these donations at the traffic lights. I live far and to travel back and forth would cost me extra money, out of which I prefer to buy necessities for my mother back at home with the little I got. I do visit home at least once a month, if I have made enough money.”
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