‘Not everyone is a drug addict’
A local recycling business, Green Guru, not only protects the environment, but also the community. In recent weeks the company employed 23-year-old Rodney Dlamini, successfully saving him from the streets.
In 2018 Dlamini had moved from Badplaas to start working in Mbombela, but unfortunately ended up living on the streets in November 2020. With the hope of finding piece jobs, Dlamini started searching on street corners and at traffic lights.
Sadly he experienced several failures as most people think that “everyone on the street is a drug addict”. Community members had often offered him piece jobs and promised to fetch him the following day, but never followed through.
Dlamini believes that you will only find a job if you look presentable and would some days take the money he got after five hours or more’s work to go for a haircut rather than buying other necessities. “You have to look neat to impress someone,” he said.
One Tuesday after several disappointing weeks, Dlamini was recruited by Stacy-Lee Engelbrecht of Green Guru. Engelbrecht’s mother had seen Dlamini a few times and encouraged her daughter to offer him a piece job – to help with collecting and sorting recycling around town.
At the day’s end, Engelbrecht offered Dlamini a permanent job and started posting on Facebook to ask for help regarding a tooth infection from which he was suffering. Dr Frances Terblanche in White River quickly jumped in and helped him out, resolving his problem.
Not only did he receive help with this teeth, but he also got several donations and a place to stay. Dlamini said, “I am happy that I am working now and grateful to the people assisting me with starting a new life.”
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Dlamini left school in grade 11, but wishes to complete his education and further his knowledge since he always dreamed of becoming an IT specialist with his own shop to cater to his community
