Today, the Cape Argus launches a new collaborative editorial initiative called #TheDignityProject – a 15-part daily series about the homeless people of Cape Town. Homeless person Danny Oosthuizen will be writing a daily column for the duration of the project. Read the first entry in Danny’s Diary below …

Cape Town – Not so long ago I lived in Green Point (The Rockwell) and earned good money. I was wearing labels and ate out at some of the best restaurants in town. I had a very comfy life. Then life took a turn…

When living on the streets is your only option, it comes as a shock. You are exposed to things you would never have dreamed of. But, I had the time to learn so much about myself and how strong I am.

You also learn how society can choose to turn a blind eye and how some people go out of their way to help.

Read more: What is #TheDignityProject?

Living on the streets can be harsh at times. Not to mention dangerous. But in general we do the best we can with what we have. Honestly, I started using meth (tik). It kept me awake at night. Also, I could go for days without a meal as it suppresses your appetite. I went from a size 32 to a size 28 in four days. It was not a solution to the problem, so I stopped.

As you will know, we “mine” your dustbins on dirt collection day. At times we find stuff that we can use like clothing, toiletries, etc (yes darling, that half a bottle of Chanel No 5 is like the R20 million Lotto ticket!)

Not all of us are criminals or thieves. We do odd jobs, like recycling – your waste, we turn into income.

We receive donations (sell-by-date) from generous companies. Where you guys have a choice between still or sparkling water we only have water straight from the tap. So a fizzy drink here and there is a blessing. We can’t choose, but bear in mind we have tastebuds too.

Read more: ‘I’m just like you… but I’m homeless’

There are soup kitchens that lovingly feed us as well.

As for living on the streets, we become quite innovative. Think recycling sweety: cardboard, plastic, metal. We can build the most amazing “hokkies” and place them in areas that would make Pam Golding green with envy.

Sadly, in most raids done by law enforcement, all our belongings, even my fake Gucci bag, gets confiscated; including our smart ID cards.

We are grateful to all the role players in our city who work day in and day out to get us shelter, food and jobs.

We are also extremely grateful to the public.

We are normal people who were once part of a community. We are not from Mars. Most of us have a good education and skills. Quite willing to work and to get off the streets.

Yes, we smell like diesel and dust (I wish it was Armani) and we don’t look the part at times, but we do try.

Finding a place to wash clothes and dry them is hard at times. Hanging my undies in the open might cause World War III with the CCID.

There is limited space at the shelters and, with no secure income, we can’t always make use of them.

We have to carry everything we own with us every day because we have no facilities to lock them up for safekeeping.

We would like the public to know we are in need of engagement, we are hungry for conversation, the human touch.

To be part of the community again. To restore our dignity.

Our self-worth. It is not always just about material things.

Greet us when we greet you. Ask my name…

I will be back with some more news from the streets.

Cape Argus