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Thutukani is the first young person that Umthombo has supported, to gain acceptance to and start University. Unfortunatley he was accepeted late and thus missed the deadline to apply for grants and financial support from the university and Umthombo do not have the funds to support him long term. Therefore I'm attempting to raise this money to ensure that his chance at further education (a chance many of us has also enjoyed), does not have to be needlessly forefitted. 

 A journey of hope

My name is Thuthukani Mthethwa born 28 March 1991 in Durban and stayed with my grandmother, she later passed on leaving me venerable since there was a family feud amongst relatives, but she had made a plan before she passed away to send me to Johannesburg where I stayed with my aunt. In 2008 my uncle came to fetch me to stay with him in Durban without an explanation and purpose of me being moved from Johannesburg back to Durban, he became ill while I was staying with him so I had to care for him. We stayed in a shack in Cato manor where he rented a place until he passed on, he's body stayed longer in the mortuary until some of my relatives assisted us in his burial, I was left stranded remained a year without school but some of the neighbours were able to assist me to send me back to school until  I finished grade 12. 

Then after finishing my high school I remained on my own went into the city centre of Durban to try finding a job, but there was no luck I ended up living in the street. I had found a crew/group to hang out with for survival, my life out in the street was  never a walk in the park, some of the days there was no food or shelter. I was deeply miserable in the new environment  and  children living in the street took advantage of me being new. I would sleep anywhere I found myself at night, ended up using drugs with my newly found friends, luckily I was a coward to commit crime. I hustled for cash for cash by begging on sidewalks, sadly some of that money was used in destroying my health by using drugs, most of the food we had was picked up from spar supermarket dump site, we spoilt ourselves with expired treats. It amazing how I survived out of all the dirt we ate in the street, thanks to some churches that also provided a supply of food, clothing and also from caring individual on Durban  who always offered food. In the streets in was hard to strive and survive against other kids who had adapted in the street life because one of the days I nearly got thrown out of the window by other friends who were high on heroine. In the street it’s an environment that can lead to losing your life.

I head of uMthombo while living in the street then I approached them to request assistance, then from there my life gradually changed, uMthombo assisted me to access university and register for my studies for my first year in 2013. I am currently facing a challenging situation then I had anticipated because uMthombo is not able to assist with everything I will need for my studies such as accommodation, books and transport. Beyond that I have been exploring the university, making new friends regardless of other challenges because my dream is alive and uMthombo is willing to walk with me in this journey anyway they can.

This is Thutukani's story. Please dig deep and donate now.