Charles Matika is in his 50s. He hails from the Eastern Cape and worked as a gardener.
What is your name, age and birthplace?
I am Charles Matika. 1970. Uta … Mthatha in the Eastern Cape.
Can you tell me a bit about your life before you experienced homelessness and what a normal day looked like then?
The what? Umm ... just like um keeping busy, trying to be busy, also there by us helping other people in Eastern Cape and in Langa, doing gardening, doing the lawn, cutting grass.
What led you to where you are now and were there particular moments that changed the direction of your life?
No, I was never working only that one helping for doing gardening. Arriving here in Cape Town was in 2000 … 1999. I am always all the time here.
What do you wish people understood better about being homeless?
Homeless, what they must know ... Ja I don’t have my own place for shelter. Homeless umm… if people can help me then I can help them. Just like that garden work you see. Ja, to help each other.
What helps you get through difficult days and where do you find strength or support?
It’s also this, for gardening. For spending time with the sand, for cutting grass and for irrigating. Being in the sand and the grass. It makes me feel better at least. Better than nothing.
In December I would like to be by the sea.
If you could change one thing about how society responds to homelessness, what would it be?
Ja it's the one that at least is much better. Many people they have got their own homes. So just say to them: "Ok, I will spin the sand, cut grass, irrigating."
Where would you like to be now if you could?
Other place ... I don’t know many places. Because If I know them I can say: "Ja sure I am in favour of it." But I don’t know many places.
In December I would like to be by the sea.
