WATCH: Begging to make a difference

Fred is well known by his community for helping whenever and wherever he can, but unfortunately, he cannot always do that. Many people know they can go to him when they need food and other necessities, but there are times when he doesn’t even have that for his own family, “It kills me to turn people away, but I need help to give help.”

Many years ago, Fred lived and worked on a large plot in Randfontein. This 10-acre piece of land was home to numerous people who had previously been living on the streets and acted as a rehabilitation platform for people who needed a step up in the world. Residents made use of woodworking, welding and craft facilities to create products that they could sell. The money made from selling the handmade items went towards seeds, food, clothes, and materials to make more products. The small community planted vegetables, fruit and had a small amount of livestock which kept them fed.

While most of the residents became entrepreneurs with their newly learned skills, Fred and a few others would often visit employment agencies and find jobs for the people who wanted to try something else. A large number of the previous residents were able to move off the plot, and start their own lives with new jobs and new homes. Unfortunately, after the owner of the land passed away, the plot was sold and all the residents (including Fred) were forced to find a new place to live.

Fred’s goal is to acquire enough help, funding, and land to restart this project. “It’s not only about me, a lot of people need help,” he said.

He is asking the community to assist him in any way they can with achieving this goal. He is hoping to be able to set up a small tour from Johannesburg to Durban or Cape Town, where he can sing at shopping malls and raise money to restart the centre and provide food, clothing, support, and housing to more people in need.

For more information about Fred, or to offer help, email amys@caxton.co.za. All messages will be passed on to him.