Isaac, 55 - Security Guard

“I grew up in the village, in Limpopo. I am one of ten children. Life was happy, but hard. My parents couldn’t afford to raise all of us. We were too many. My uncle took care of me. He helped me to go to school and get my matric exams. I always wanted to become a teacher, or maybe a policeman. I started my studies, but my uncle, the one supporting me, he died. My dreams were cut short.

I came here to Jozi when I was in my early twenties. I worked for 19 years at Pirates Club, maintaining the sports fields, painting lines, and later I became a barman. I loved this job. I’m still so proud that everyone still knows me there. They won’t forget me. I’m friends with everyone there.

I found another job maintaining and painting mining pumps. It was a good job. I received overtime, it came with medical aid and a provident fund. But my boss moved to Sweden. I had no job for four years. My boss didn’t forget me though. He flew me to Sweden to train and work on large industrial pumps. I had never been on an aeroplane before. While I was there, my boss gave me the biggest gift in my life. He paid for me to go to London to watch football. I watched four Premier League matches. I got to watch my favourite team, Manchester United play Everton, and I even met with Wayne Rooney. This was the best day of my life.

I’m now madala. I’m 55. I’m past the age to do the training to become a policeman. But I’m a security guard. That is close enough. I love it. I’m very proud. No one steals here when I am on duty. I won’t get rich doing this work, but it’s enough for me and my family. I have a proper house now. Not an mkhuku. I built it myself. I have a small spaza shop at my house. There’s two people who run it for me. I do it so they can earn some money. There are too many young people without jobs. I believe that I must help others wherever I can, with what I have. If I see someone in need, I will help them. I have bought people shoes before. Many don’t have shoes here. I enjoy helping feed people through the church. This is our purpose. I am also a community leader, and CPF chairperson. I’m keeping people safe, here at work and at home.

I’m proud of how I’ve lived – I’m an honest man. I’m reliable and kind. I don’t have much, but I’m content in this life. For me, relationships and community are far more valuable than money. I love this job, it is a big responsibility, and I don’t want to disappoint the people who gave me a chance in this life. Life is harder now than before, but I stay positive. Life is like water – It flows. Sometimes it’s stagnant, but the rains will one day come, and the water will flow again.”