Petrol jockey dreams big

The friendly smile that greets customers at the Caltex garage in the Ballito Business Centre, hides a story of the struggle and determination of a young township man who, despite multiple setbacks, is determined to succeed.

Friendly 23-year-old petrol attendant, Thobelani Zondi is qualified in the field of marketing but, like many, has struggled to find employment while also having to support a brother who is addicted to drugs.

“I had good results in school and after matric I was accepted at the Durban University of Technology to study marketing. I received my diploma after three years and set off to Pretoria to find a job,” said Zondi.

After a year of fruitless job hunting he returned home to Etete.

“I became the breadwinner and although I have my diploma in marketing, I am grateful to have a job. It is an honest living and I am not ashamed.”

With Zondi’s outgoing nature and love for people, he is passionate about influencing others to lead an honest lifestyle.

“I want people to know that even though it is difficult to find a job, crime should not be an escape. Too many teenagers from Etete leave school and turn to drugs. They steal, sometimes from their own houses, to feed their habit.”

The problem hit close to home when Zondi’s 15-year-old brother left school and became addicted to drugs.

“It hurts to see him the way he is. He is so young and he looks terrible. I am saving money to send him to rehab but I know that it will not be a quick fix and that the long-term solution will be to move him out of the township.”

Zondi spends time trying to encourage the youth to further their education and concentrate on school. He knows that his current position is just temporary and that one day, his hard work and dedication will pay off.

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