The article below forms part of Mike Alfred's series on Joburg personalities from the first decade of the 21st century. Click here to view Kathy Munro's fantastic introduction and here to view the series index. The stories were written in 2005/6.
Doris Mosikele has reverted to her maiden name. Her married name was Vilanculos. She came to Johannesburg some thirty years ago from Queenstown in the Eastern Cape. She works as a char four times a week. She lives in her own bitterly-fought-for home in Alexandra with her second daughter who is repeating matric. Her husband and son both died violently. Her first daughter is married and recently presented Doris with a lovely grandson. Her story is probably similar to that of many other women. She tells us about her life in her own words:
I was coming to Johannesburg in 1968, that time I was 18 years. I was living with my grandmother in Queenstown. I come to Johannesburg to earn some money to help my Grandmother. My other auntie was staying in Pimville. I arrived there to Soweto to stay with her and then I looking for a job. The first job was in a fish and chips there by Pimville. I worked there maybe one year. I was helping in the till, taking the money, I was peeling some potatoes, I helped to clean and do everything. I leaving school in standard six. I can read and write but not so very good to write. I speak...
