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New Gauteng DSD Strategy Supports Four Homeless Shelters
The Department of Social Development (DSD) has introduced a new strategy to address homelessness and shelters in Gauteng. Under this plan, DSD will provide funding for only four local homeless shelters: one in Johannesburg, catering to over 15,000 homeless individuals, and three in Sedibeng.
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Kempton Park CBD has an estimated minimum of 1,500 homeless residents, while Tshwane is home to over 10,000 homeless individuals. According to Bronwynn Engelbrecht, the DA spokesperson for Social Development and DA political head in Kempton Park, the DSD’s strategy highlights the lack of collaboration between the department and relevant stakeholders, who play a crucial role in addressing homelessness.
She pointed out that there is currently no national legislation specifically addressing homelessness, and the issue’s complexity has left no single department prepared to take responsibility. Engelbrecht emphasised the importance of government assistance in conjunction with the efforts of civil society organisations.
The DA will continue advocating for homeless individuals’ access to social services, including reunification services, to reconnect them with their families. The Kempton Express also interviewed a homeless man from Kempton Park CBD, Thapelo Molefe, who expressed concerns that the new DSD strategy might make it harder for them to access food and recounted instances where shelters only provided food to homeless children without explanation.
Efforts to obtain insights and comments from local organisations serving the homeless were declined. The situation highlights the challenges of addressing homelessness and the importance of coordinated efforts between government and civil society.
Source: New DSD strategy will only fund four homeless shelters in Gauteng
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Photo: Supplied by Kempton Expressed
