Homeless local man stays hopeful
He ended up on the streets due to personal problems with his family and job loss.
He looks like many who prowl the streets all day, we see them when we drive and walk past, without paying attention.
Those who do pay mind, often cringe involuntarily. Some may even feel the need to tighten grips on their handbag whenever they are near homeless people, but a small chance to chat to those like 44-year-old Ambrose Nkosi is a breath of fresh air.
You will then realise that there is far more to him than what meets these judgmental eyes.
When you speak to him, the slight Model C accent from private schools permeates his English, but beyond that you will see that Nkosi is well read, something he gives off with his extensive vocabulary.
After losing his job at a corporate company in Sandton in 2013, he lost his assets to banks because he could no longer finance them. In the process, Nkosi lost his marriage. He has two sons.
The former business administrator was left with no choice but to take refuge on the streets. But now, he says, he is ready to go on, because this is not the end of the road for him.
He said he is determined to make efforts to earn back everything before we know it.
Born in Soweto and being an only child, Nkosi was taken to a small village in the Eastern Cape during his early childhood where he did most of his schooling and was taught how to stand up for himself.
“I had great parents and a great background. I was taught to stand confident and assertive. This and my family have made me strong.
“During my teenage years I came back to Johannesburg. I then progressed with my life.”
He said he holds a Bachelor degree in business administration which he attained from Regenesys Business School, but needs more qualifications to grow and establish a business empire. He said his hopes are pinned on getting a sponsor to help him fund his academics.
Nkosi said all his life he has been a person who always sought to build himself. He isn’t fazed by the fact that some of the courses he would like to study are costing close to R150 000.
“I hope to get it, but if nothing happens, I am always committed to working hard,” he said. Nkosi survives on odd jobs he does around many households in Kempton Park.
He said some of his relatives are scattered across Bedfordview, Pretoria and other parts of Johannesburg. Nkosi claims that most of them are doing well, but said none have come forward to help him during his time of need.
“I am determined to do everything in my power to make sure I reach my goals,” Nkosi added.
