Meshack Bevhula has come a long way from being unemployed and holding a placard on a street corner pleading for help to have his book published.
The 28-year-old from Giyani in Limpopo has now realised his dream. His book, Drowning in Own Tears, was published in May, and to top it all he has found employment as a data processor at the SA National Road Agency Limited (Sanral).
"There was a time when I wanted to give up because things were not coming through for me. But I maintained to look for a publisher."
His book is a fictional novel about issues that cripple black communities, such as poverty. Bevhula, who has sold over 150 copies since May, said that Drowning in Own Tears is filled with romance, betrayal, secrets and motivation.
He said he initially approached several mainstream publishers but his idea was rejected. In 2016, he decided to hit the streets with placards begging for help.
He was approached by award-winning author and the chief editor of Classic Age Publishers, Vukulu Maphindani, who saw the widely shared picture of him standing on a Vosloorus street corner.