Salum Nzobonantuma

 

I am from Burundi. A very small war-torn Central-African country. I left 9 years ago, and finally arrived in South Africa 2 years ago.

 

It was my quiet nature that helped me to sneak out of the country, when my peers were aggressively fighting. They are all now dead.

 

My wife was killed and my family slaughtered before I left. Only a sister survived, but last year she was shot in the back with a rocket as she ran to get her children.

 

I feel alone, and find no place of comfort… no-one speaks my home language here and there is hostility towards exiles in the townships.

 

Talk with me and I will tell you stories that make you realize how strong the determined human spirit can be. I have come close to death many times before.

 

Please help me. I want to start a business like I had in Burundi – cutting hair and selling things… but I make barely enough as a car guard to survive, nor can I get a loan at a rate that isn’t crazy.

 

Clothing, capital, connections, or any kind will make a big difference to me.

 

Stuff can be mailed to Sotheby’s Camps Bay (Shop 1, Central Parade, 89 Victoria Road, Camps Bay, 8005). Tel: 438 3670

 

They can also testify to my high work standard and how well I watch (& wash!) cars, always smiling… always strong.

 

Peace,

 

Salum

073 644 0409