Sat May 25 20:42:38 SAST 2013
Sat May 25 20:42:39 SAST 2013

A radio dedication from a homeless man

Sep 10, 2012 | Razia van der Schuur, Sowetan LIVE | 47 comments

An inspiring story we'd like to share with you..

Pop over to our Facebook page to check out a larger version of this image.. SowetanLIVE

On Metro FM this morning, on the ‘Total Bliss’ show with Azania, a reader wrote in, with a list of songs for the the usual 'office power play' feature, where Metro FM fans get powered up with song choices that are played, requested by listeners.

This morning was a little bit different, and very inspiring to say the least.

Tumi Mafakane is no ordinary office person - He is a homeless man, living on the harsh Joburg streets from day to day.

THIS IS HIS LETTER TO AZANIA FOR THE METRO FM TOTAL BLISS SHOW:

Greetings, may you please forgive me for writing a note, I do not have access to your preferred mode of communication since I live on the streets of Jo'burg.

The 27th August 2012 marks 6 years since I left Mpumalanga's Nelspruit, where I hail from, for Jo'burg in search for a better life.

Even though I haven't achieved any of my goals, instead finding myself battling for survival in the notorious streets, sleeping on pavements and occasionally going for days without food, I overlook all those challenges and thank God for saving me through this.

It is his love and mercy that encouraged me to refrain from being lured into drug abuse and I still strongly refuse to give up on my dreams. Six years into this surely calls for a bit of celebration of life, despite my current situation.

I would like to dedicate the following songs to all of those going through similar situations and to all those I share a joblessness title with.

All I can say to them is:

'Beggars are not choosers, it aint over until God declares'.

These were his song selections which were played on Metro FM this morning:

1.         Joyous Celebration – Namhla Nkosi

2.         R. Kelly – You Saved Me

3.         Kirk Franklin – Now behold the Lamb

4.         Hillsong – Jesus you are all I need

5.         Sipho Makhabane – Nkosi yazi

6.         Gabrielle – Rise

Alternatives:

7.         Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey – When you believe

8.         Michael Jackson – Heal the World

9.         Gladys Knight – I hope you dance

10.       The Williams – I'm just a nobody

This surely inspired us, and we hope it inspires you too

Comments

Sat May 25 20:42:39 SAST 2013 ::
avatar image
Sep 10, 2012

MsKinkyakaKamaSutra

When I think of how I complain when I can afford some luxuries..........
Report Abuse
avatar image
Sep 10, 2012

Msiphos00

Touching
Report Abuse
avatar image
Sep 10, 2012

Kaylae

Wow hope you get a job Tumi.
Report Abuse
avatar image
Sep 10, 2012

Pitso.MCCMA.SAFA

Service delivery in RSA is exceptional said our President
Report Abuse
avatar image
Sep 10, 2012

Galfrend

It was a touching selection,all the best Tumi. Hope an angel sent by God comes to your rescue
Report Abuse
avatar image
Sep 10, 2012

Galfrend

kodwa 6 years Tumi on the streets,awubuyeli ekhaya ngoba?# this is depressing
Report Abuse
avatar image
Sep 10, 2012

Bizzabo

Mara bjanong where does he listen to the radio? or onale cell phone/ wailese?
Report Abuse
avatar image
Sep 10, 2012

Mrazane

Ja neh! We have so much to be grateful for, thank you Tumi for reminding me. I just hope you are not a con of some sorts seeking attention, after watching a documentary about a woman who claimed she got injured in the 9/11 disaster and how she lost her fiance in the same disaster one tends to be a bit sceptical of some of these stories. I also asked myself ukuthi where does she listen to the radio, how did she get her letter to Auckland Park.

True or fake, I am counting my blessings because of this article
Report Abuse
avatar image
Sep 10, 2012

Mokwepa

no story here
Report Abuse
avatar image
Sep 10, 2012

babyfats

shame realy sad ......... :(
Report Abuse

Read all 47 comments

Your Subscription

The SowetanLIVE Network