WAVES OF HOPE

“A father’s goodness is higher than the mountains and a mother’s love is deeper than the sea” is an old adage that just did not ring true for Sihle.

Despite sky diving in the goodness of his dad, and swimming in his mommy’s love, it just was not enough for the Soweto born Sihle Meyiwa. The 28-year old said he grew up enjoying a blissful life but still fell into the trap of gangsterism and substance abuse, especially after his parents died.

“Life at home was perfect when my parents were still alive. But then the mat was suddenly pulled from under my feet. Without a father life became turmoil. I joined a gang in Soweto and was introduced to Nyaope. Thus, dropping out of school was a natural progression of events. I engaged in all manner of atrocities and this type of lifestyle led me on the street,” he said.

Nyaope is a mixture of heroine, dagga and other substances like rat poison, washing powder, pool cleaner, baby powder and bicarbonate of soda. Experts say that people who use this drug are prone to have problems with breathing and pneumonia, infections on the blood, skin, heart, liver and kidneys, engagement in unsafe sexual practices, unplanned pregnancy and an interest in criminal activities.

Sihle said that he was lucky to have escaped the street life still in one piece owing to the danger that is out there.

“For six years l was a rough sleeper. No one wanted to live with me no one trusted me anymore. Now every time I pull the blanket to cover my head, I still cannot believe that l now have a roof over my head. It is like a dream come true. Sometimes tears gush out of my eyes when I recall some of the experiences I went through even though it has been over a year. I also did things that l am not proud of, to innocent people. I always whisper a prayer of forgiveness to the Lord Almighty.

Sihle said his life hit rock bottom in 2019 when he lost his mother.

“My mother was the unifier in our home, so when she died, we lost our pillar of strength. That was also the moment when I came to my senses and decided that I no longer wanted to live like that.

“Walking and wondering what l was going to do with my life l recall how it felt like entering the Tree of Unity offices. My heart suddenly lipped for joy as the atmosphere felt vividly hopeful. My eyes wandered around as I saw people of different backgrounds and nationalities gathered together in hope for a better life,” he added.

Sihle has now been capacitated by the organization and has commenced his studies in Air Conditioning. He is now giving back within the Organization, he is a man on a mission and has been clean for a year now.

“I want to achieve big dreams and have good success in life so I can provide shade for those in need and my family. I want to grow like the eucalyptus and have a strong foundation, a strong structure and have good success in life and provide. I hope to cure those who are sick and supply the community with a fresh breeze. I believe l am not a bad person, l have a good heart able to give and forgive,” he concluded.

According to recent estimates by the Human Sciences Resources Center, South Africa has approximately 200 000 homeless individuals. If we do not give up on other people this world would be a better place. Helping just one homeless person get back on their feet makes a difference.