Mia Lindeque

Following the death of his mother, Gibson Nzimande was homeless and survived on at least R40 a day. Today he holds a master’s degree from the University of Johannesburg.
#GibsonNzimande It’s this dream to finish his MAs degree, that kept him alive, during those cold and lonely nights on the streets. ML #KayaNews pic.twitter.com/q6FeCS0hzr
— Kaya 959 News (@KayaNews) May 8, 2023
Nzimande who was born in KwaZulu-Natal and who now lives in Johannesburg, lived on the streets since 2018 without any support.
During that time he kept a diary and safeguarded his master’s proposal and other degrees in a plastic bag.
“Life is a journey, you need to persevere. Know yourself and your time will come,” says Nzimande.
He was determined to reach his goal of obtaining his master’s even though he didn’t always believe in the possibility of it happening.
“I never thought that while I was living on the streets that one day I’ll manage to finish my master’s.”
Regardless of the self doubt his actions proved differently with evening visits to public libraries.
When news of his story spread Nzimande received a new lease on life with the help of the public and academics at the University of Johannesburg.
The outreach helped Nzimande obtain his master’s in gender studies, with a focus on the life histories of young women using nyaope.
Even though his dream is realized not a day passes without thoughts of his hardship.
This is especially prevalent as he hears the Joburg traffic echoing through his room.
It reminds him of the days when he navigated a large bag of recyclables through the busy Sandton traffic.
Nzimande revisited the place where he used to sleep during his days of being homeless. It is a spot under the bushes in Rivonia road.
“Those trial, tribulations and circumstances, they taught me so many things in my life. That’s why today I even managed to finish my masters, and enroll for my PHD.
#GibsonNzimande Exactly a year later, Nzimande has passed his masters and will be graduating in October. “I think the 4 years in the wilderness taught me a lot of things. Respect life, it can change in 2 seconds.” ML #KayaNews pic.twitter.com/b8CpvstFwQ
— Kaya 959 News (@KayaNews) May 8, 2023
“A person’s thoughts and beliefs shape their experiences and circumstances like a mirror. All men become like their own reflected images.”
Wise words from the man who overcame being homeless for four years and who still has a long way to go before he obtains his PHD.
Nzimande will not use the funds raised to get him off the streets for accommodation. He will use it to fund his PHD.
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