23/10/2026
💛 **TWO YEARS UNDER A BRIDGE. NO INCOME. NO IDENTITY DOCUMENT. NO PLACE TO CALL HOME. AND A STORY THAT WILL BREAK YOUR HEART.**
📍 **The Malungu River Bridge, Hibberdene Offramp**
It all started with a message from **Nat Inqaqa**, who alerted us to an elderly gentleman living under the bridge at the Hibberdene offramp.
We went to investigate, and there he was, sitting against a bright yellow wall. We stopped, sat down, and started talking.
What we discovered was a story of hardship, heartbreak, survival, and a man who, despite everything life has thrown at him, still has a sense of humour that could light up a room. ❤️
**Two years. That's how long Andre has been living on the streets. Two years without an income.**
When we asked him how he had survived, his answer was simple:
🙏 *"By the grace of God."*
He went on to explain something that really hit home.
People are always prepared to give you a fish, but nobody is prepared to give you a rod so you can fish for yourself.
And that, dear community, is exactly what we want to change.
Andre told us how he was robbed of his belongings, including his ID document. During the struggle, he fell and severely broke his hip. He ended up in hospital, but before he had even fully recovered, he was discharged and found himself back on the streets, with nowhere to go.
Sometimes life doesn't just knock you down. It keeps kicking while you're trying to get back up.
Following his divorce, life became increasingly difficult, and climbing out of that dark hole seemed almost impossible.
Eventually, he found himself sleeping under a bridge, hoping and praying that somehow, somewhere, God would make a way.
And then Nat made that call.
**Sometimes, being someone's miracle simply means being willing to stop and care.** ❤️
We loaded Andre into our vehicle and brought him to one of our facilities, where we could give him a proper bath, clean clothes, a decent meal, and, most importantly, the dignity every human being deserves.
We are also starting the process of helping him obtain his ID document.
Because without identification, finding employment becomes incredibly difficult. And without employment, finding your way back into society can feel like an endless uphill battle.
But Andre's story doesn't end here. Not on our watch!
Now, here's where things get interesting! 🤣🤣
As we drove along, chatting away, we discovered that our so-called "old man" is actually **ONLY 52 YEARS OLD!**
That grey beard and that limp had us completely fooled! 🤣🤣🤣
And what a character he is!
Andre speaks English, Afrikaans, isiZulu and isiXhosa fluently. He's absolutely hilarious, has a wonderful sense of humour, and is a **qualified spray painter by trade**.
And here's another thing worth mentioning: Andre doesn't touch alcohol at all.
Behind the grey beard, the limp, and the two years of sleeping under a bridge is a man with skills, potential, and a desire to get his life back.
He doesn't want to spend the rest of his life depending on handouts.
**HE WANTS THAT ROD SO HE CAN FISH FOR HIMSELF!** 🎣
And that is where YOU, our community, can make a difference.
💛 **WE ARE APPEALING TO EMPLOYERS AND ANYONE WHO CAN GIVE ANDRE A CHANCE.**
If you are in a position to employ a qualified spray painter, or know someone who is, please consider giving Andre an opportunity.
He needs a chance to work, earn an income, rebuild his confidence, and live a life of dignity again.
You could be the person who changes the direction of his entire life.
📞 **Please contact The Elders Voice KZN on 079 028 6379 if you can assist with employment opportunities.**
We will walk this road with Andre, one step at a time, and we invite you to follow his journey as we work towards giving him a fresh start.
Because at The Elders Voice KZN, we believe that nobody should be written off simply because life has dealt them a terrible hand.
Sometimes all a person needs is someone willing to believe in them when the rest of the world has stopped looking.
🙏 **A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO HALFWAY FORD PORT SHEPSTONE.**
Without your support, this rescue would not have been possible. Your willingness to stand alongside us makes a real difference in the lives of people who desperately need a helping hand.
And to Nat Inqaqa, thank you for bringing Andre to our attention. You never know what one phone call can set in motion.
❤️ **TWO YEARS UNDER A BRIDGE. NOW, LET'S HELP ANDRE BUILD A FUTURE.**
Let's not just give him a fish.
**LET'S GIVE HIM THAT ROD!** 🎣💛
