From rural Zimbabwe to Cape Town streets
Categories: Personal, Politics
Written By: ephraim
My name is EPHRAIM NTLAMO. I was born in March 1992 in a rural village, Binga in Zimbabwe. Being born in this impoverished part of the world, there are lots of challenges to overcome. For example, your own parents do not believe in education that much, they are very traditional and think that the child must either become a herd boy or a farmer.
When I started school in 1997 my dream was to become an electrical engineer (The reason behind my dream, was to one day own a car, live in the city, where I would own a European style house — oppose to a traditional hut where I grew up in). Because of political violence and hyper inflation in Zimbabwe, our parents couldn’t afford to pay our school fees/uniforms/stationary/books. And even if they did and we had the chance to get to school, there wasn’t proper education anymore. Robert Mugabe’s ruling party in Zimbabwe, helped by the militia, could just come and pick up students to campaign for ZANU-PF. Also, teachers were earning peanuts (very little- 70Rand/month). For them to survive they had to involve themself in corrupt businesses to survive, instead of teaching.
In 2008 there was no food at home, I couldn’t go to school. I didn’t want to involve myself in crime and corrupt business in Zimbabwe (like illegal smuggling of diamonds), so I thought it was a good idea to go to South Africa. A visa was 2000 Rand, which I couldn’t afford (even in my dreams). I thought the only wise decission to make was to cross the Limpopo river illegally into South Africa.
I wanted to work for my family and send food back home, at the same time try and raise money for me to continue school back home in Zimbabwe. Unfortunately that idea didn’t work, because I am under aged, no one wanted to employ me. I ended up strolling in the streets of Cape Town, where I was exposed to crime, violence and drugs. Although I slept in the drain, I still had hope that my dream would be fulfilled one day. Living in the streets is very stressful, the situation forces you to take substances, but I resisted. I kept on believing in my dream. Today I am at school, eating fresh food, sleeping in a bed with proper blankets and now I’m even proudly sitting in front of a laptop.
To me, life is a challenge (today you overcome one problem, tomorrow you face another). You do not have to give up, be like a ship in the storm, keep on sailing. Let’s not loose hope just because of our disadvantaged backgrounds, we all have the chance to be great in life.
April 12th, 2009 at 4:03 am
Dear Ephraim,
What an impressive and moving life story you have at such a young age. But with your attitude and wisdom I´m certain that you will achieve your goals. I love your saying that we have to be ´like a ship in the storm, keep on sailing´. How did you get to be this wise?? I´m going to take your advice to become a stronger and more determined person myself.
Keep believing in yourself, Ephraim. I wish you all the best.
Greetings from The Netherlands,
Linda
April 12th, 2009 at 10:47 am
Hi Ephraim!
I was just reading you’re story on the website. Of course, I already heard of you because of Fre. She told me she met you and that you was from Zimbabwe. Back then it was already an emotional story.
Now, here I am, reading you’re story back home in the Netherlands. I must say: Wow! Deep respect for all things you’ve been doing, the currage and of course: not giving up. I bet lots of people out here could learn a lot from a story like this.
I will send Fre and e-mail, so that we can contact even more! Would love it.
Never give up in living you’re dream Ephraim! You are a great boy, a real hero and an example to many people. You are a great inspiration for me!
Love, Eline
April 12th, 2009 at 11:16 am
its nice to hear how people feel . especially those from the first world commenting we will keep on sharing our experiences on the great web
cheers
ephraim .
April 13th, 2009 at 8:17 am
Ephraim – you continue to be an incredible inspiration to me. Your grace and humility are two of your most wonderful assets which I have no doubt will ensure a wonderful future ahead for you. Keep on writing and I look forward to seeing you very soon!
April 21st, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Ooooh I miss you so much! And that article was just a fabulous.
I’m nearly crying now! You are the greatest.
Say hi to the others.
xx Louise
April 23rd, 2009 at 8:38 am
Ephraim! Wow this is so amazing that your story is on a website, it shows how inspirational you really are. Stay as humble and loving as always. I miss you lots, maybe I will visit you soon and see how the book is going. Keep Smiling. Enjoy School. xxx
June 7th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Wow Ephraim!
I admire your courage so much! I just saw on Frerieke’s website that you are actually writing a book about your life-story.. Whenever it’s finished, please spread the word, I CANNOT WAIT TO READ IT!
Good luck with writing and learning,
I wish you ALL THE BEST!
Klaartje
June 11th, 2009 at 4:25 am
Dear Ephraim,
Keep following those dreams! Frerieke told me you are writing a book about your experiences about your life story, go for it!
It is also great to see I’m not the only Hull City supporter in South Africa!!! For that reason alone (but many, many more) I wish you all the best.
Cheers,
Ronald Kennedy
freelance correspondent and fellow Tigers supporter
June 15th, 2009 at 6:05 am
nice man up with the tigers they are simple the best team , they don;t spend a lot on player like man u , ansenal , liverpool , and of course chelsea instead they develop them thats what we want to see in soccer in the future”; good lucky for the team next season
September 5th, 2009 at 8:30 am
Ephraim. I loved your story very much and I want to say KEEP ON HOPING BROTHER becase I do.
November 7th, 2009 at 9:26 am
I am INSPIRED Ephraim…