Job-seeking beggar back on the streets
In June, the hearts of South Africans were warmed by the story of Joseph Phukube, a young Johannesburg beggar who received a job and a roof over his head thanks to the help of a concerned member of the public.
Phukube’s picture was posted on Facebook by Sandton resident Pam Green, which lead to more than 1 000 job offers streaming in for the beggar. But just over two months later, Phukube is back on the streets after failing to overcome an addiction, Sandton Chronicle reported.
Green came across the 22-year-old Phukube standing on the side of the street with his matric certificate, begging for work. She posted a picture of the man on Facebook which led to an unprecedented flurry of job offers, donations and bursaries.
Soon Phukube was employed by ride-sharing company Locomute and had found accommodation in Olievenhoutbosch in Centurion, with the company covering his expenses.
Although Phukube was ready to take on the new opportunities handed to him, it was discovered about a month ago that Phukube was still using Nyaope.
Green said when she met Phukube he claimed that he was clean, but he was still addicted to the drug. She added that he was admitted into a five-day detox programme and a 21-day outpatient programme at a top rehabilitation clinic.
Phukube had been making progress until the week ending 4 September, when Locomute and Green discovered that he had failed to attend his appointments at the clinic. Green said he had been leaving work at 1pm with transport money from the company, but used it to feed his addiction.
On 2 September, Green became worried after she was unable to contact Phukube and Locomute had also lost contact with him. Green added that on 4 September he had not shown up to work so she went to his home, only to find him using Nyaope with a friend. Phukube was subsequently evicted from his place of accommodation and is back on the street.
Brand executive of Locomute, Vuyisile Majola, said: “It is quite an unfortunate situation, but Locomute has terminated Phukube’s employment.”
“I am heartbroken and sad. It just made me realise that we can help people if they need it, but they must need to help themselves. I’m trying to process this whole situation, but I will not stop helping people,” Green added.
Read More: 1000 offers for homeless job seeker Joseph Phukube
– Caxton News Service
Read original story on sandtonchronicle.co.za
