Good Morning Angels: Local flower seller Johannes Qambelisha gets a car
There was an outpouring of love and assistance for Johannes the Flower Seller when he was on Good Morning Angels earlier this month.
Johannes Qambelisha has been a constant feature just off the N1 on the Beyers Naudé off-ramp, where he has been selling flowers for the past 30 years. A few of the regulars on the road had noticed that Johannes was absent for some time and enquired.
“I’ve put my children through matric with flowers"
They found out that he had not been well and needed medical assistance. As the only breadwinner in his family, he could not take time off completely.
Johannes’ eldest son has special needs and his wife has been his carer for all his life. His other two children cannot find employment but are very keen to work.
The residents of the Randpark community reached out to Good Morning Angels and we were able to help him with some cash towards his medical and family needs.
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Several Angels messaged in to contribute more, with the fantastic folks at “Together We Bloom” NPC donating R20,000 towards a car for Johannes. He believes transport would enable him and his children to grow their business.
Barry Harmse from Motus Toyota Bryanston also stepped in and got Johannes an affordable car. On Wednesday, Johannes saw his new car for the first time.
RECIPIENT: Johannes and his daughter, Zinhle
ANGEL 1: Stefan Zeelie, representing “Together We Bloom” NPO
They donated R20,000 towards the car, delivered the flowers - Begonias and Orchids - and will assist Johannes’ children to get their driver’s licences and help them to develop and grow their flower business
ANGEL 2: Barry Harmse from Motus Toyota Bryanston
He found the car for Johannes at R37,000 - serviced it, new tyres, Johannes Number Plates, and new car radio! Will put it through the test, transfer to Johannes’ name, and keep it until Johannes can take ownership. PLUS: Two annual services free of charge
ANGEL 3: Thank you to listeners Tamarin, Karin, and Conrad for your kind contributions towards Johannes’ car!
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ORIGINAL REQUEST:
Good Day
If you ever drive home via the N1 South and Beyers Naude then you'll have seen the vintage gentleman that sells roses at the offramp robot at rush hour. He's been there, in my recollection alone, for near on 15 years (and likely more) selling roses diligently, earning his living honestly day by day.
It could be that you also noticed lately that he's not around every day. That's because he's no longer a spring chicken, and some days can't make it and need to rest.
His name is Qambelisha, or for those who have a hard time with clicks (totally get it), Johannes. He's originally from Ladysmith. If you see him, please buy a rose, or even consider giving him any kind of donation you may see fit. On any given day, if he does okay, he gets to rest at home the following day instead of coming into work. And at his ripe old age, he should be resting every day but has to keep hustling.
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All I ask is that you consider buying your favourite person a rose the next time you see him.
Some edits from other people who've posted in the comments, and other notes:
He works on weekends too, it seems. He's been doing this for over 30 years!
For a while, he was off sick and didn't stand there himself but asked someone else (a taller man, never got his name) to assist. Johannes himself is on the short side, with grey hair.
He needs oxygen, if anyone has this kind of donation or assistance to offer.
He is at the Beyers Naude N1 offramp traffic light on most days during rush hour (from just before 5 pm).
Facebook link
https://www.facebook.com/groups/randparkridgecommunity/permalink/3347636405454697/?mibextid=Nif5oz
Thank you!
Elzanie
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