A Chatsworth mother is living under a bridge and is ready to start a new life...
This woman's story could happen to any one of us...
Homelessness is a real problem in South Africa and is a growing concern in KZN. As days pass, we see more and more people standing at the traffic lights begging for food, some even just asking for a job and others trying to get innovative with collecting rubbish or miming for money.
Whatever their plight, this story is a true epitome of what it means to fall down the wrong path. A Chatsworth mother, Chantel Manickum, has shared her story about living under a bridge and how on some nights she goes to bed hungry.
I have been living under the Westcliff Bridge in Chatsworth for a year. I beg at the robot. This is not the life I want. There are two men who also live under the bridge. It is scary because anything can happen. I have to always live on edge, not knowing what I could face. I could be robbed, attacked sexually and physically.
Check out more from East Coast Radio
The mother of four shared that she was living with her late mother in 2018 before she had sold her home and then passed on. After her father had moved to Cape Town, she lived with her sister in Bayview for two years when her mom had sold her home.
I led a normal life, working in a call centre and at retail outlets. My sister takes care of two of my children. The other two are being taken care of by their fathers.
Opening up and being honest about your flaws can be difficult but Chantel shared that she wants to start afresh. After her work contracts were up she fell into a downward spiral that has brought her to the current state.
Not wanting to be a burden to her family, and being helpless she decided to live on the streets. Then she picked up a drug habit, which she says she is not proud of, but being on drugs helped her forget.
Drugs made it easier to live outside in this condition. I need help in securing a job, a place to live and would like to start a new life.
You know that saying, 'Where there is a will, there's a way...', we hope the fact that she has acknowledged her problem and has the courage to ask for help. Which we all know isn't an easy thing to do.
If you are reading this and can relate to Chantel's story, then please reach out to us with your story. Maybe your advice can help her out in some way. And if you are going down a bad path, then please reach out to Rehab Helper here or call them on 072 458 3204.
Image Courtesy of Facebook