Chevon Roubain says she has spent much of her life in prison. But now in her 40s she says she has learnt right from wrong and how to control her anger.
What is your name, age and birthplace?
Ocean View, Slangkop. My name is Chevon my surname Roubain, I'm 40 years old.
Can you tell me a bit about your life before you experienced homelessness and what a normal day looked like then?
From...I think I was 16 when I went to jail till 30 for shoplifting. Also now when I get 40 I was in jail. I went in and out of prison. Old, young, life was prison most of the time. From that went to Pollsmoor and I learned a bit of stuff. Whats right and wrong. And anger. How to control my anger and so on.
What led you to where you are now and were there particular moments that changed the direction of your life?
I smoke drugs, that led me to the go to the streets. I found myself there. Life is not better on the streets but I make it myself better for me on the streets. I lived for 20 years in Fish Hoek. Ja, but I'm not in Fish Hoek anymore. I bly maar here in the bushes that side. I am waiting still there for a house in Ocean View. I'm on a building waiting list with the father of my three kids. I'm struggling here alone.
What do you wish people understood better about being homeless?
We don’t look to them for money. We just want them to respect us as they respect themselves. We want the food thats put on top of the bins to be clean. We don’t want to eat food thats not clean. I don’t eat out the bin.
What helps you get through difficult days and where do you find strength or support?
I sit there with my homeless brothers in Fish Hoek and then we go eat something together. Sometimes ganja. Something like that. It's also true. Sometimes some people give us money or food. But we living long time together. We like a family.
They must see us like people like they are. Because we are all human.
If you could change one thing about how society responds to homelessness, what would it be?
They must see us like people like they are. Because we are all human.
Where would you like to be now if you could?
In London ! (laughs) Yes its God's truth I want to be there in London its my dream. I like the place London. I see it on the TV I think its beautiful.
