No ‘specific’ programme in place to deal with homeless – Gauteng government
"Once the individuals have been assessed we then identify halfway houses where they [the homeless] can be cleaned up, skilled and re-integrated with the community,"
The question of how the government is dealing with the homeless and vagrants is a valid concern of community members.
Gauteng Department of Social Development was questioned about government’s responsibility in dealing with the homeless.
Also read: Policy to assist the homeless on the table
“At the department, our view regarding homeless people is that municipalities are custodians responsible for the enforcement of city bylaws. Homeless people in Ekurhuleni are within the mandate of the City of Ekurhuleni,” said Phetoho Maja, communication officer of the Gauteng Department of Social Development.
He explained that the provincial department does not have specific programmes for the homeless but those who approach the department’s regional offices are assisted.
Also read: No policy to assist homeless
“Efficient response is provided to children, women and the elderly,” he said.
When the department does deal with homeless people, Maja said the individual needs of the homeless are assessed.
“The department also tries to determine what brought the individual to the street. Once the individuals have been assessed we then identify halfway houses where they [the homeless] can clean up, be skilled and learn to re-integrate with the community,” said Maja.
He explained that although the halfway homes assist the homeless, the government does not provide any permanent facility for homeless adults.
Besides trying to reintegrate the homeless into society Maja said the department has a reunification programme.
“Through the programme those who can be traced back to their families are reunited. This is based on the department’s White Paper on Families,” added Maja.
