​Phakiso Victor Mohapi was born and bred in Klerksdorp and lived in Potchefstroom, Northwest Province. He is the first born to his mother, who has five children. He dropped out of high school in grade 10 after his mom had twins and got sick to the point where she could not work anymore.
Mohapi tried working and going to school at the same time to help his family financially, but that did not work, and that is when he decided to drop out of school.
Mohapi worked as a waiter and a griller in various restaurants in Potchefstroom, and he was also a barman; unfortunately, he lost his job during the COVID pandemic. Mohapi left his home in Potchefstroom in 2022 to look for a job due to his situation at home.
"I left home and went to town in Potchefstroom to look for a job because I have experience in hospitality. I thought it was going to be simple, but it was difficult, so I was reading this book, and it said that faith without action is nothing, which is why I decided to go to Johannesburg without any plan."
He said he got a lift to Johannesburg with no plan of survival and no relatives in Gauteng Province.
"I arrived and landed at City Deep, then I went to Ghandi Square, and I saw the Ponte Building because I usually see it on television. I thought a plan would come up if I went there, and I did not, even though it was Hillbrow."
Mohapi says he is grateful for the opportunities he gets at the shelter. He further indicated that they receive various skills and three meals a day, which he really appreciates. During the day, Mohapi goes to look for a job and remains hopeful that one day he will secure a decent job.