Gustaviano Borcherds’ bright young star
Where in the world is Gustaviano Appels? Two years ago George Herald reported on this shining star of Borcherds, who managed to keep his head above water through entrepreneurship and pure dedication.
Gustaviano was the runnerup in the National Teachers' Awards in the category National Learner in 2021, and head boy of Parkdene Secondary School.
He started a soup kitchen, Bread of Life, in 2020 during the Covid lockdown; he dug graves during the first two waves of the Covid-19 pandemic when there was a huge demand, in order to cover his school fees and personal expenses; and started a bicycle food courier business shortly after matric, which is still running over weekends.
In an interview during his matric year, Gustaviano, who has since dropped the "-iano" for a simpler form of his name (Gustav), shared his dream to join the traffic college in Cape Town to qualify for a career as a traffic officer.
He believed this will put him in a position to continue reaching out to people and being of service.
To become a traffic officer is still his ultimate dream career, but Gustav needs to overcome one simple obstacle - obtaining his driver's licence.
Twice this year he applied to Gene Louw Traffic College. However, a driver’s licence is a prerequisite, and Gustav only has a learner’s licence.
Reality bites
Twice this year he applied to Gene Louw Traffic College, but hasn't heard a word. "I apply a few times every year," he said. However, a driver's licence is a prerequisite, and Gustav only has a learner's licence.
It is too expensive to pay for driving lessons, there are too many other needs to fill.
Gustav supports a family of
four - his sister (in matric), mother and uncle who all live in his grandmother's home in Borcherds. He still can't talk about his grandmother's death end of last year, because she was his pillar of strength. "She raised me," he said.
George Herald met him last week at his place of work, Handles Inc, in York Street. Gustav is the storeman and is still in his probation period. It is going well.
Back in 2021 his message to other young people was not to give up, but to chase their dreams. "Always pray and ask the Lord to help you make your dreams come true, despite your circumstances," he said.