This archive report was first published on 26 September 2019.
A woman's kindness has inspired hope for a homeless man who has been living on the streets for eight years in South Africa.
According to Kuda Chigariro, the woman who helped the man, she had been driving past him for two years and had tried to assist him before, but to no avail.
However, on a recent encounter, Chigariro was able to engage with the man, who has been identified as Jonathan Prinsloo, and learned about his struggles.
Prinsloo, 25, has been homeless for eight years and has not spoken to his family in five years. He has been sober for some months but lacks the means to return home.
Chigariro shared her encounter with the man on social media, and her post sparked a wave of kindness and support from the community.
Many users praised Chigariro's selfless act and expressed their desire to help Prinsloo. Some even suggested starting a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for his return home.
Chigariro's post read: "Today, he was standing at the traffic lights on Beyers/N by Impala, in South Africa. I made small talk asked after his friend who had “disappeared” the last time I saw him. He then told me he had gone to rehab in Potchefstroom. While the traffic light was red, he managed to tell me enough for me to make a U-turn and park."
She also shared: "He has been sober for some months now, but has no idea how to save enough to get home. He is not sure if his parents are still there, and there is obviously an emotional battle too. The contact numbers he had for his family do not work. He would love to be re-united with his family. If anyone has information, please contact his parent/family."
Chigariro's kind act has inspired many, and her post has sparked a wave of support for Prinsloo.
