Let’s break the ‘mafia’ begging circle

If you thought begging syndicates were bad, let me enlighten you on a scam that is performed under our noses and no apologies are offered. Every car guard that I tip to look after my car at an open shopping centre parking lot/mall, has to pay between R40-R50 a day for the privilege of standing at that particular shopping centre.

That probably means the first three to four hours of the day he is working for some scumbag, who just comes to collect the money at the end of the day. No transport is offered or vests supplied.

I am more than happy to help the underprivileged but to fund organised exploitation is just a bridge too far. How do you feel knowing that some of the money you pay goes either to the shopping centre or some syndicate boss? He earns about R1 000 a day for every 20 guards employed under him.

I think it is time to blow the lid off this disgusting deed.

The woman you see begging with children and the kids dancing on beer crates at traffic lights, are just further examples of this exploitation.

Whereas one is compelled to support the mall guards, I think it is time to cut off the income of the robot syndicates. Let’s unite to rid this country of syndicates who prey on the destitute.

Teaching kids to beg is unforgivable and condemns them to a life of poverty – and supporting this in the name of charity makes you just as guilty. Give food and water. Don’t give money! Eddie Joubert

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