PITCH: Keizersgracht St, Zonnebloem, Cape Town, 7925
(-33.92942644148132, 18.429580650570642)
SHOOTING FROM THE HIP
What Inspires you?
Besides selling I would like my children and the youth to invest in education. Although it doesn’t guarantee that they’ll get jobs, it is a gift that no one can take away from them. I always encourage my student customers never to give up on their education. They inspire me.
Mzoxolo Mtila
Safety and Security
WORDS: YONGA BALFOUR
With his ambitious and charming personality, Mzoxolo has been paving the way for his future and that of his children since we last spoke in 2017.“I have been doing a course in safety and security at a place called Lindokuhle in Khayelitsha. Currently, I am waiting for a clearance certificate from the Private Security Industry Regulation Authority (PSIRA), where they check for criminal records and things that would hold one back from working as a security guard,” Mzoxolo explains.
Asked if his papers will come back clear of any criminal record, Mzoxolo confidently replies he is sure they will. “That check is the just standard procedure and I’m sure it will come back clear. In addition to that, I’d love to redo my learner’s licence because my previous one expired. So as soon as I get that clearance certificate indicating that I can work as a security guard, I’ll apply for employment and save to do my driver’s licence.”
Mzoxolo, who still sells The Big Issue near the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), says that he had great sales on the previous issue of the magazine.
We Need Your Help
The Big Issue appeals to all public space and shopping mall owners, managers and operators in the greater Cape Metro to allow our vendors to sell magazines at their sites. It can be hazardous and physically exhausting selling The Big Issue at traffic intersections, especially during winter. We’d like to see more vendors selling the magazine in a safer environment. Email md@bigissue.org.za to get involved.
