LUCAS Kaunda (27) sleeps under a tree, but that won’t stop him from reaching for his dream!
The SunTeam found Lucas on the side of the N1 highway near Bloemfontein.
He told Daily Sun he was a BTech Business Administration student from Ermelo, Mpumalanga, and will be completing his degree this year.
“My loan pays for my studies but I have to hustle for food and a place to stay. “I had to give up my accommodation four months ago because of money, so I started staying on the streets.
”He said he has been living like this since April.
“I have come through winter and I walk 10km to study but I never thought of giving up on my studies.
“I’m doing well. My favourite modules are entrepreneurship, which I passed with 64% and management practice, which I passed with 66%.”
He said if somebody offered him accommodation, it would make it easier for him to study. “But I will never give up on my goals,” he said.
“My mother died in 2003 and my dad in 2009. I have two sisters and a brother.”He said he hoped his story inspired students with difficulties.
“No one knows about my living conditions. I don’t want to be a burden to anyone. We all have challenges in life and we have to overcome them,” he said.Mangaung Metro municipal spokesman Qondile Khedama said they didn’t know about Lucas’ situation.“The municipality has a responsibility to show ubuntu.
“I’m checking on the contribution I can personally make,” he said.
“I encourage others who can help Lucas to do what they can.
”Free State Central University of Technology spokesman Dan Maritz asked for time to verify Lucas’ registration and said he would respond by today. “I consulted with colleagues from student services,” he said.
