Africa-Press – Eswatini. A desire for a better life is what drives 16-year-old Bandzile Dlamini, who is trying to rise above a difficult upbringing marked by poverty, street life, and exposure to harmful habits. Raised in Ludzeludze, he currently lives with his father, but says his home environment has made it hard to escape the struggles he grew up facing.
Bandzile’s story is one of survival. With both parents unemployed, he found himself begging on the streets to help provide food for his family. During that time, he was exposed to drugs and alcohol, which he admits became part of his daily life. While he has made progress in reducing alcohol use, he is still struggling to stop smoking.
“I realised the streets were not going to give me a future,” he said. “I want to change and live a better life.”
His typical day is now spent at home, thinking about ways to improve his situation. More than anything, Bandzile hopes for support,a safe place where he can stay, learn, and access basic needs such as food and clothing. He believes education and guidance could help him break free from the life he once knew.
Despite his challenges, Bandzile remains hopeful. He says what keeps him going is the belief that someone will help him and give him a second chance. He also holds on to values of respect and humility, which he says were instilled in him while growing up.
People often misunderstand him, he explains, assuming he is just another troubled street child. However, his reality was driven by the need to survive and support his family.
“I don’t want this life,” he said. “I just need help to leave it.”
Bandzile dreams of a normal life, one where he can work, support himself, and make his family proud. He hopes that by changing his path, he can one day help others facing similar struggles.
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