Homeless man seeks to complete master’s degree

Johannesburg - A homeless man is trying to finish his master’s degree and get employed as a lecturer.

The man, Musawenkosi Gibson Nzimande, 34, carries his certificates in a plastic bag, an honours degree in gender studies from UNISA, and his master’s degree from the University of Johannesburg, which has been placed on hold.

In 2019 Nzimande lost his home after a family feud when his mother died and he could no longer afford his studies. He survives through selling recyclable materials, and is often seen pulling a trolley filled with recyclables in Sandton streets.

“I always try to apply for a job on the internet. The only thing I buy is food; I get R50 to R70 a day,” he said.

Nzimande keeps a diary in which he records his dreams, prayers and goals.

“I used to think people living on the streets are in that situation because of drugs, but it is very tough living on the streets,” he said.

He also uses his meagre earnings to research at internet cafes, in a bid to finish his studies, so that his dream of becoming a lecturer can come true.

“Challenges must not bury you, but rather teach you a lesson. I took it as a challenge, something to grow me in life. I want to get a good job and finish my master’s, I have that dream of becoming a lecturer,” he says.

His former lecturer at UJ, Brett Bennett said they have helped him with clothing.

“We have been coordinating with the university, finding out about this amazing story about this network he has and this resilience. It is so emotional and we are happy that he can restart,” Bennett said.

Those wishing to access the funding initiative to help Nzimande may log into https://www.quicket. co.za/fundraisers/174498-gibsonnzimande. Eyewitness News