Support for Salt Rock’s one-legged beggar streams in from around the world

Salt Rock’s one-legged beggar became a social media sensation overnight this week, when one of the residents, Amanda Maidman, found him shivering in the rain and decided give him a break.

“Sydney has become part of our Salt Rock community, as you will find him standing at the top of the slip road asking for donations pretty much everyday,” said Maidman, who is the owner of Scoop Ice Cream at The Litchi Orchard.

“I chat to him for as often as time allows at that busy intersection and always try to give him some change or something to eat. On that particular Monday, I could see from a distance that he was physically shaking from the cold.”

When she got closer, she saw that, even though he was well dressed for the adverse weather, he was shivering uncontrollably and she realised now was the perfect time to buy him a hot meal and get to know him a little.

“I checked the traffic behind me, wound down my window and asked him if I could buy him lunch. His face lit up and he could not get into the car quickly enough.”

She realised she could not take the soaking wet Groutville resident to any of the nearby restaurants and the only thing to do would be to take him to her home, let him shower, get warm and have a hot meal.

“I instinctively felt safe when I have chatted to Sydney over the past few months, so there was nothing to feel nervous about.”

Sydney told her that his passion is plumbing and that he dreamed of being employed.

“He did a three-week course in plumbing and said he has a certificate. He told me he had never been employed before, but would love a position where he can learn on the job. He needs a mentor.”

Sydney said he lost his leg when he was accidentally pushed under the wheels of a truck when he was 13 years old close to his home in Groutville.

Maidman’s kind deed spread on Facebook and before long offers of help to replace his prosthetic leg and to help process the Road Accident Fund, which he is entitled to, came from all over.

“There has also been a few possible leads for jobs for him, which I believe is first prize for him. There has been talk of a fund-raising page which I’m still thinking about and researching.

To help Sydney, send a mail to Amanda at Amanda@scoopicecream.co.za

Maidman said when she saw Sydney the next day at his usual spot, he was grinning from ear to ear.

“He rushed up to my car and said everyone was saying hello, telling him they saw him on Facebook.

“I believe the one thing we could do better in this country is really see people and acknowledge them. The Zulu “sawubona” captures that perfectly for me. We don’t have to give, but we always should acknowledge someone’s presence, even if their circumstances make us uncomfortable. It costs us nothing to smile and say hello & could actually change someone’s day.”

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