At the busy Uranium Road intersection in Fourways, Lawrence Bvudzijena and his wheelchair-bound uncle, Joseph Chimdaye, stand at the traffic lights hoping motorists will spare a few coins.

But he insists it is not a choice he made lightly.

“It’s not easy to stand at the robot like the way we are doing. Maybe some people think we like it. No,” said Bvudzijena.

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Bvudzijena, who is originally from Zimbabwe, said he came to South Africa in 2005 while still young. Over the years, he found work and eventually built a stable routine as a gardener.

“I worked as a gardener from 2013 until 2018. Before that, I was working as an assistant at a camp.”

When the job ended, Bvudzijena said he struggled to find steady work again. Without a reliable income, he began collecting money at traffic lights to support family members in Zimbabwe.

According to Bvudzijena, the money he raises helps pay school fees, food and clothing for relatives who depend on him. His situation is also complicated by his health. Bvudzijena lives with epilepsy, a condition he said makes standing at busy intersections particularly risky.

“When you have epilepsy, and you are standing at a robot, it can be very difficult. Sometimes I can feel when a seizure might be coming, and that is when I move to a safe space. Also, I have my medication with me.”

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Despite the hardship, Bvudzijena said his goal is to eventually move away from begging. Earlier this year, he completed a caregiving and childcare course and graduated on February 14.

He now hopes to complete the required 200 hours of practical training so he can find work in the caregiving sector. “Sometimes I go to do my practicals in caregiving. I am trying to finish the hours so that I can work.”

But his presence at the intersection has also drawn complaints from members of the public.

Xolani Fihla from JMPD confirmed that officers have responded to reports about individuals begging at the Uranium Road intersection on several occasions.

He said begging on public roads is prohibited under the Johannesburg Public Roads By-Law, specifically Section 10, which restricts loitering, soliciting or harassing individuals for money on roads, sidewalks or intersections.

Similar restrictions are outlined in the Nuisances and Behaviour in Public Places By-law.

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“These laws are in place primarily to ensure the safety of both the individuals involved and motorists.”

He added that when officers respond to complaints, they are required to act professionally and respectfully. In many cases, the approach begins with educating individuals about the relevant by-laws and warning them about the dangers of remaining at high-traffic intersections.

Fihla said the city also attempts to connect individuals with social support. “While we offer shelter and social services, the individuals must give their consent. If a person refuses the offer of a shelter, social development cannot legally force them to relocate there.”

For Bvudzijena, the hope is that his situation is temporary. “I think by the end of this year our funds will be able to meet our requirements. Then we can start something.”

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