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Knox Brothers

How Rhulani came to look after the VIPs

After years of trying, Rhulani Mathebula has finally achieved his goal: full-time employment. Since February this year, the 44-year-old man from Alexandra has been working at the upmarket Hyde Park Corner shopping centre in northern Johannesburg in terms of a partnership agreement between the centre and Rays of Hope. “This is like a dream come true for me,” says Rhulani while standing in the VIP section of the shopping centre’s parking garage. He is wearing a smart black suit and branded jacket, and a white shirt with a tie. “I owe it all to Gary and the other guys from Knox Brothers and Rays of Hope. Knox, which is a project of Rays of Hope aimed at adult men and women who, by way of their circumstances, are without formal employment and subsequently do not have the knowledge or skill to find work and provide for their families, mentored me for years and stuck by me. Now I have a proper job, an income and, best of all, dignity.” But there is much more to it than Rhulani’s sincere acknowledgement of the part Knox has played in his life. Over several years, he worked hard to gain skills in a variety of trades – plumbing, carpentry, welding and motor mechanics. However, permanent employment eluded him. “I worked from time to time,” he recalls, “but never for long. Often I didn’t get paid for the work I had done.” Such is life in Alex. Then came Africa Works and Rays of Hope. “I did basket-weaving work at Africa Works to earn some money. They introduced me to Gary Seath and my journey with Knox Brothers began. But it took a few years before I came to Hyde Park. Gary was a life-saver; he mentored me and gave me both self-belief and hope.” Rhulani started off at the centre’s concierge desk, then moved on to his current job manning the VIP parking area in Hyde Park Corner. “My job is to look after the clients and give them a VIP experience. I explain about the work that Rays of Hope does in Alex and they donate R100 for their VIP parking space. This is really a donation to Rays of Hope, and most people are only too happy to give. They realise that they will be making a small but positive difference to our township,” he says proudly. Golden, Rhulani’s supervisor, says: “The partnership between Hyde Park Corner and Rays of Hope is working really well. Management is comfortable with the Rays of Hope connection as it brings in much-needed funds for the organisation. Rhulani is a great guy – he’s reliable, punctual and never complains. He’s gentle and the customers love him. I think we are making a difference to Alex through this co-operative project.” Rhulani Mathebula’s story proves that hard work, patience and dedication finally spell success. But, along the way, everyone needs a little help from their friends. “I was actually losing hope. I worked so hard to acquire skills, yet could not find a proper job. Knox Brothers made the difference. They nourished and nurtured me, and above all else, gave me back my self-belief.

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