Surviving the streets: Nobuhle Shozi's story of resilience

By: Mendy Mtshali

Thirty-four-year-old Nobuhle Shozi learned the true meaning of survival after leaving her home in 2010 and arriving in the streets of Durban, a place she now calls home. 

Shozi was born in Port Shepstone, a town situated on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast. 

Sharing her story with IOL, Shozi recalled having conflicts with her sisters after both their parents died. The constant fights forced her to leave home 15 years ago and find her way to Durban. 

Shozi said being a homeless woman is a painful experience. 

"There are many dangers of being a woman trying to survive on the streets. I have often faced life-threatening issues.

“It is not right to stay on the streets because we, as women, get abused. Sometimes we even get abused by the men that stay here. They wake us up at night, and sometimes they sexually assault us and even rob us,” she said. 

She said that when she left home, she left her three children in the care of her younger sister, despite them not getting along. 

Shozi told IOL that she had five children but one died and the other was taken away by social workers. 

"Although the father of my children used to physically abuse me and consumed drugs, I have never taken drugs. I only drink alcohol. I would never use drugs. Alcohol is my only drug," she said. 

To make money, Shozi begs at traffic intersections.

When asked if she would ever change her ways or go back to Port Shepstone, Shozi said she does not think she would change because begging and her using her ability to braid hair, earns her money. 

"The only problem comes in when the money gets stolen. 

Shozi said she does not stay at a shelter and is aware of the shelters offered but she often cannot make it back in time. 

Despite the odds stacked up against her, Shozi manages not only to navigate but survive the dark, dangerous streets of Durban. 

Read more from IOL's Elevate Her campaign here 

IOL