PHOTOS: Pretoria's 'Hobo with a Smile' gets a major makeover and new job
57-year-old Steve Loock has been living on the streets for almost 20 years. His "hey, smile" sign has lifted the spirits of many drivers in Pretoria.
Steve was a former journalist for 25 years. He worked at various newspapers, including The Citizen but after a fight with his editor in the 1990's he struggled to find a job.
For the past six years, Steve Loock has stood as the intersactions in Pretoria's suburbs with a sign that says "hey, smile."
Last year, Loock shared a little bit of his story with Rian, explaining that he might be homeless, but he is not a beggar. Instead, he offers a service to commuters by reminding them to take a moment to appreciate life. Loock has been living "in the wilderness", as he describes it, for 20 years.
Rian and The Scenic Drive team decided to help Steven with a major makeover, and also with a job.
This is how Steven used to look before he got his new makeover.
The Scenic Drive team got help from International Brand Outlet in Woodmead to get Steve a new outfit for work. He got his hair trimmed and his beard shaven by Follicle Hair Atelier. This is how he looked after his new and fresh makeover.
Meanwhile, Steve has completed all of his security certificates and passed his exams with flying colours. He has since moved into a room that the guys at Formel Security in Olifantsfontein provided him. He also received a laptop from a friend and he is busy writing his book.
HAVE A LISTEN TO HIS CHAT WITH RIAN