Johannesburg - Joseph Phukubje, the beggar whose story took social media by storm two months ago, is once again homeless and jobless.
Phukubje was helped by Pam Green after she saw him standing on the side of the road in Sandton asking for a job.
She posted his story on Facebook and after being offered a number of jobs, bursaries and donations, Phukubje ended up working for Locomute. He was also given a fully-furnished apartment and was well on his way to the start of a new life away from the streets.
However, on Friday Green put up a post on Facebook on where Phukubje was and how he was doing.
“Joseph had demons, the dream was to be short-lived, and after a month the truth was realised, his active addiction was ongoing... Today the dream ended. It is with the heaviest heart and tears in my eyes that I am writing this.
“Joseph's actions have lead him back to his previous life choice. He has left the home given to him, and he is once again homeless and unemployed. Our hearts are broken, and I sit here, still hoping that one day he will choose a healthier future for himself!
“I will forever be grateful to Joseph for helping me to create my #SecondChance. I might not have been able to change his life, but he has forever changed mine, and I am committed to continue striving to change the world, one life at a time!” Green said.
Netta Gallant of Sanca (South African National Council of Alcoholism and Drug abuse) said the reasons why some people who live on the streets go back to drugs were complex.
“They may not have the support structure like family and/or friends who support (them) during the difficult days. He/she may not be ready to give up, and was forced to stop the habit. Sometimes they terminate the treatment or programme because of pressure from outsiders, or they may think they are okay and they don't need others' help,” she said.
Gallant said it was very difficult to help those that were living on the streets.
“We do not have the resources to assist them holistically because they need a home to provide them with comfort. We also work in conjunction with the City of Johannesburg who assists with homes or shelters. They require a home, because they may be exposed to constant users who then influences them to continue especially when the natural elements are against them for example: rain, nofood, nofamily.”
She said when they are on medication they need to keep their medication safe and need food to help them build their system.
“A home is vital for the rehabilitation of a drug user.”
Gallant said the rehabilitation process is dependent entirely on the user, if they have decided to kick the habit.
“To attend and comply with the requirements then they can go back to their "normal" life from as early as the following day. Again, it depends how severe the addiction has affected the user.”
IOL MOJO