Homeless Bulo’s efforts upset officials

A HOMELESS car guard living along Cape Town’s picturesque Atlantic Seaboard has made it his mission to spruce up popular beaches, one beach boulder at a time.

Come rain or shine, Rhino Bulo has made it his mission to building staircases and walkways, made from coble stones collected from the beach making it easier for beach lovers to gain access.

But his plans could land him in hot water with the City of Cape Town which says his attempts, while appreciated, are in contravention of by-laws.

The homeless man from Greenpoint, who is like the modern day Strandloper (a person who collects items on the shore), said his goal was to create a safe space for beachgoers.

Bulo, 30, who relocated from Potchefstroom in the North West in 2018, said the sandy shores of Mouille Point in Sea Point became his home when he had nowhere to go.

“I came here with nothing, no family, no money, just the experience as a general construction worker,” he said.

“While I was living on the beach I noticed all the litter and started cleaning everyday before I would go and do my day job as a car guard. One day a resident who always brought me food fell while she stepped down from the pavement onto the beach, and I thought I needed to make a plan.”

That’s when Bulo started collecting boulders and used the tips he received to buy cement for his project.

“The first steps I built was in April, it took me six months to (complete).

“The second, along Sea Point took 30 days (in) October,” he said.

Bulo said his latest project, which he began working on in December is yet to be completed.

“This is the one I want to extend, I also want to include a walkway, and a dog water bowl because I see how people jog up and down those steps with their dogs.

“It just gives me so much joy to see people using it.”

Bulo also fixes potholes in the parking area where he works as a car guard.

“Some people will ask why I am doing it when there are people who are paid to come up with such plans but I want to make a difference and it keeps me busy. I can also sometimes pay for a place to stay and not sleep on the streets when people donate,” he said

However, this job is not all sandcastles and sunshine.

Bulo said his equipment had been stolen many times and at the moment he only has a fishing line, measuring tape, level and a trowel.

“Now I make use (of) what I have. “As long as I can still do what I need to do, its okay, but help will be appreciated.” The City’s deputy mayor and Mayco member for spatial planning and environment, Eddie Andrews said they have tried to offer Bulo help to get off the streets.

“The City is also aware that Bulo is homeless and currently unemployed and that the activities he is undertaking are being used to generate basic income and employment opportunities for him. The City has endeavoured to place Bulo in shelters, as well as to help him with getting his paperwork sorted which includes his work permit.

“Unfortunately, (he) has declined the City’s assistance to date. That said, the City will keep on engaging with (him) and hope that he will accept the City’s assistance,” he said.

Andrews said Bulo’s activities however were in contravention of by-laws and other pieces of legislation that protected the environment.

“With respect to the use of beach rocks to fill potholes, the City is mindful that this activity of removing rocks from the beaches to fill potholes may be in contravention with both national environmental legislation as well as the City’s by-laws.

“With respect to the stairs he has created, these stairs have been constructed on Public Open Space and without permission from the City.

The construction of stairs needs to be undertaken in accordance with specific standards as per the National Building Regulations,” he said.

Meanwhile Bulo said he tried to liaise with the City, but did not receive the help he needed.