Eric Mkhunkqa

“I enjoy being a Big Issue entrepreneur as I get to meet new people everyday. I sell The Big Issue in Wynberg opposite Wynberg Park. My customers are mostly elderly and are always eager to buy the magazine.”

PITCHING FOR SALES

“Sales aren’t always booming, but they are good, especially around peak hours. A smile plus some good conversation usually equals a guaranteed sale.

“It’s easy for me to interact with people – I’m a people’s person. Thanks to my personality, my sales are going well.

“My customers and I talk about my work experiences, family – I’m a father to three beautiful children – and the kind of work I’d be interested in doing should I get a job someday. They are very helpful people, and let me know that they are looking out for a job for me. Should something come up, I wouldn’t hesitate to grab the

Aiming high

“My two boys stay in Mthata in the Eastern Cape with my parents. My daughter, who is the lastborn, stays with me. My goal is to have all my children live with me here in Cape Town.

“I wish for my children to be educated, responsible individuals, so that they can have a bright future filled with opportunities I never had. “Being a father gives me so much joy, but it is a bit difficult grooming young men when I don’t get to see them much.

“When I’m not working, I use my time to bond with my little girl. I used to play soccer with the community teams in Langa, but I’m on a break now and will be back on the field next year. Playing soccer with the youth reminds me of my own boys.”