My time with the ‘squatters’

Commentary by Quinton Boucher

Curiosity has taught me a valuable lesson.

The lesson is a simple one; never take your life for granted and think that squatters have an easy life. During the week, I braved the cold and sat with the Sutherland Street ‘squatters’.

Climbing out of my car just after 6pm, I approached the ‘squatters’ who greeted me as a friend. After half an hour, I craved the comfort of my warm house and the luxuries people often take for granted.

The four ‘squatters’ may be considered a blight on the area by residents, but their plea for help has not gone unheard. On Tuesday, July 8, the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation donated jackets, warm socks and a 10 kilogram bag of rice.

Overwhelmed by the generous donation, a ‘squatter’ nicknamed Rasta broke down in tears and thanked the organisation from the bottom of his heart.

“Thank you, thank you so much,” exclaimed ‘Rasta’. While the generous donation was warmly received, the four men did not expect their plight to touch the hearts of others.

The following Wednesday night, a group of people showed their compassion by bringing the homeless men cups of hot soup and blankets. Wanting to remain anonymous, a spokesperson for the group urged the community to step up and assist the men where they could.

A further 10 blankets and 30 kilograms of mielie meal was donated to the ‘squatters’ by a pensioner, who also wished to remain anonymous.

The pensioner expressed her sincere gratitude to Bosco, who donated the bags of mielie meal free once they found out who it was going to. “I would like to thank them from the bottom of my heart!”

While the men still face a bleak future, I have found that help comes from the most surprising places and  my faith in humanity has been restored.