Traffic light Zulu teacher to be taught
MILPARK – Moses Velaphi's Zulu-teaching initiative has landed him space at the Academy of Sound Engineering.
Online sensation and Empire Road traffic light Zulu teacher Moses Velaphi (25) has been given a bursary to study sound engineering.
Jacaranda FM’s The Complimentary Breakfast team reportedly made the generous donation to Velaphi on 21 January, for him to study at the Academy of Sound Engineering.
The ingenious entrepreneur said he had always dreamed of making a career out of music, particularly being a producer and a DJ.
Velaphi’s Zulu teaching initiative became a trending topic on Twitter, after his story went viral.
“I came up with the idea to write a Zulu word per day on a piece of cardboard with the English translation next to it, and initially charged R1 per word. But after a while, anything they could assist me with would do,” said Velaphi, whose “regulars” now speak to him in Zulu.
He became an Empire Road regular in 2008 as a street vendor. At the time, he was still living in White City, Soweto, and would return home after every day’s hard work.
“It came to a point where I wasn’t making enough money to go back home everyday, so I would sleep on the street every now and then,” he informed.
“When I started sleeping here on a regular basis, I got used to this life and preferred being here over being at home,” said Velaphi, referring to the Empire Road and Owl Street intersection that has become his home since 2011.
After succumbing to life’s social pressures in 2010, Velaphi slacked off in school and failed to obtain his senior certificate.
“My mom would always tell me to go back to school and I told her I wanted to, but I have this problem that I am dealing with and it has been holding me back,” said Velaphi, who preferred not to make public his issue.
“I have had enough of this life, it’s too hard for me. I want to fix my problem. It’s making me suffer.”
He said the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will allow him to prove to his mother – a single mother employed as a domestic worker – that he is serious about transforming his life and changing his current situation.
“I want her to trust me as her child. She wants to help me but she can’t due to financial constraints.”
He said he hopes his fellow street beggars would view him as an example once his life has been turned around, and lead a better life.
“I am very happy about the bursary, I won’t disappoint. It is a miracle to me and an opportunity I need to use.”
Blairgowrie resident and teacher Danie Boneschans attested to Velaphi’s gratitude.
“He is so excited and so grateful. Yesterday (Wednesday) was a bit overwhelming for him, but he was in such a great state this morning (Thursday),” said Boneschans, who has been documenting Velaphi’s teaching journey.
