Johannesburg, 8 March 2023 | Jacaranda FM and its Good Morning Angels initiative remains passionate about changing the lives of as many people around the country. Those in the West Rand may be familiar with flower seller Johannes Qambelisha. He is a familiar face just off the N1 on Beyers Naudé off-ramp where he has been selling flowers for three decades.
However, a few Jacaranda FM listeners noticed that Johannes has not been on the corner, selling flowers, as regularly as usual. They found out that he is not well and needs medical assistance but that he cannot completely take time off as he is the only breadwinner for his family. Johannes has a wife and three children who are all grown but cannot find employment. His eldest son is in a wheelchair and needs extra medical care. The listeners who form part of the Randpark community reached out to Good Morning Angels to try and get Johannes the help he needs.
Jacaranda FM’s breakfast host Martin Bester invited Johannes into the studio where Johannes shared his touching story with listeners on air. Martin explained to Johannes that he has made an incredible impact on the West Rand community and that they reached out to the station to help make sure that he gets the medical attention he deserves. Martin added that the Good Morning Angels fund will donate R40 000 to help with Johannes’ medical needs and family responsibilities.
However, the Jacaranda FM community stepped up further. During Johannes’ conversation with Martin on air, Johannes mentioned that he his life would drastically improve if he got a cheap and reliable car. Karen, an accounting lecturer at Wits University in Gauteng, called in to Jacaranda FM suggested that she will be giving up a vehicle that she is currently using in the next couple of days and instead of putting it on the market, she is willing to let it go to Johannes for just R30 000 instead of the R94 000 retail value.
Another caller, Stefan from Together We Bloom from the West Rand, donated an additional R20 000 towards the car. The Good Morning Angels fund will cover the additional R10 000 needed to buy the car. This means that Johannes walks away with R40 000 and a car! This is a true testament to the incredible sense of family the Jacaranda FM community shares and the tremendous impact Good Morning Angels continues to have on the country.
Listen to Good Morning Angels every Wednesday morning on Jacaranda FM’s Breakfast With Martin Bester.