Beggar (70) plans to retire after 12 years on the street
Residents team up to make his last birthday on the street a special one
“Oom” Fred West, a familiar face on the corner of Elgin Road and Olienhout Street in Birchleigh, is turning 71 years old on November 8.
He has been begging at the same spot for over 12 years and he is finally ready to “retire”.
On a daily basis he gets up early in the morning and begs at the traffic light from around 7am until 6pm. He makes enough money to buy a bread and the bare necessities to provide for him and his best friend, Roy.
“I have lived and travelled with Roy for more than 22 years and we do everything together,” said West.
The two friends live in a little caravan in Kempton Park and get by on the little they have.
West’s only wish for his birthday is to keep his health and just be happy. This year in November he also celebrates being sober for two years. “I have been standing at that light for a very long time and it is time for me to take a break and rest. Luckily Roy still has the energy to go out and find a job or just to get enough money for us to survive every day.”
West told EXPRESS someone broke into their caravan a few weeks ago and stole his brand-new tekkies. All he wants is to have a decent pair of shoes that will last him for the rest of his life.
“I take good care of my things and it makes me unhappy if someone takes my things I have saved for, for so long.”
A few residents who pass him every day are going to take him non-perishable foods as a birthday gift on Tuesday, November 8.
“I am also going to buy a small cake for all the workers who always pass me and are friendly with me. These are the people that always greet me with a smile.”
If you would like to donate any bread, old clothes and shoes or non-perishable foods as a birthday gift to Fred, please contact Alicia at Kempton Express on 072-903-8255.
