Zamile August, now 67 years old, was born in Nyanga. His life has been filled with many challenges, but also with determination and hope.
In 2013, August was living in a shack in Philippi. Unfortunately, a fire destroyed his home, and he had to move back to his aunt’s house in Nyanga, where he stayed for about two years.
By 2015, life had taken another difficult turn when he found himself living on the streets of Bellville. Despite his hardships, August never gave up on his goals.
Before living on the streets, he had worked as an office worker for a non-governmental organisation (NGO) and later as a trade union organiser.
He also studied teaching at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) about ten years ago. After qualifying, he worked as a teacher and managed to save some money, but he could not find a permanent teaching post.
Because of his experience as a trade union organiser, August developed an interest in law.
He felt it was the right field for him and decided to study for his LLB degree through University of South Africa (UNISA).
But being unemployed and homeless, this was not an easy journey. His determination helped him persevere.
After 15 years of studying, he finally completed his law degree in 2019 while living in a safe space in Cape Town. “Nothing comes easy. People must not think that they cannot overcome their circumstances. They must never give up.”
Today, Zamile lives in a shelter in Lansdowne. He explains that he often visits the Cape Town Central Library to study because it has better facilities.
Since 2021, he has been working hard to pass his board exams (competency based examinations for admission as an attorney) so that he can qualify as a lawyer.
Each exam costs R345, and he pays using money saved from his pension grant and from collecting cans.
Even though he has failed the board exams several times, he remains positive.
“I don’t have unlimited resources so at the moment my focus is on passing the board exams. Failing is not negative. I might take longer but I will get there.”
He dreams of completing his articles and finding employment as a lawyer.
Janey Ball, acting operations manager for the Service Dining Rooms, an organisation that provides nutritious meals to vulnerable people for the past 90 years, said: “Zamile has been one of our clients for many years. He always conducts himself with dignity and grace. We’ve had a fond relationship with over the years. He is always a delight to serve.”
August believes that nothing comes easy and that success requires effort and perseverance.
“People must push themselves,” he says. “We must not feel pity for ourselves because we all have different paths. I am very proud of myself.”
Despite life’s challenges, August continues to chase his dream of becoming a lawyer proving that it’s never too late to follow your purpose.
