Man takes to the streets of Hillbrow in order to deliver good news
JOBURG – Streetside pastor hopes to inject a sense of moral direction in the community of Hillbrow
While exploring town, City Buzz caught sight of a man preaching on the streets of Hillbrow.
The streetside pastor, Samuel Motloutsi (40), has taken to the streets to deliver the word of God in a most eccentric manner.
Although gripped by a wave of economic and social adversity, Hillbrow has proven to be the fertile ground for the minister. “Preaching is my profession, even though I don’t preach in a church but, instead, preach in parks and on sidewalks,” Motloutsi said when City Buzz asked if preaching was indeed his ‘trade’.
Motloutsi explained that he works as a waiter for a fast-food outlet, but still makes time to offer deliverance. “I started preaching in 2000 after being inspired by the word of God.
“I started with writing some notes from the Bible, learnt it and went far.” According to the pastor, Hillbrow is one of several places in the inner city he traverses to offer salvation.
“I also preach at the High Court [precinct] and at the Noord Street Taxi Rank in town.
“I receive positive responses from people, with some often inviting me to their homes to share more of the good news.”
Sphetheni Ndlovu, a streetside hawker in Hillbrow, said she approves of the lone pastor’s exploits, but believes that something more should be done to assist him. “I’ve seen him do this for a long time but we have to try something better for him,” she said.
“It would be great if he had a church, which I would attend because I enjoy his preaching.”
Ndlovu explained that Motloutsi’s safety is a concern in that he’s been at the receiving end of physical assaults in several places around the inner city in the past.
In spite of this, she believes that more people like Motloutsi are needed in the area to inject a sense of moral direction. “I think his preaching can make a difference in this community and restore its pride,” she concluded.
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