The City of Ekurhuleni has informed the NEWS that the Gauteng Department of Social Development (DSD) has finalised its homeless strategy and it is now the lead department in implementing the strategy. This is after alderman Heather Hart Clr of Ward 18 raised concerns regarding the number of homeless individuals in Edenvale.
City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the strategy looks at psycho-social factors such as substance abuse, mental health, physical health, crime affiliation family conflicts as well as socio-economic factors such as poverty and unemployment.
Also read: Edenvale squatters a concern for Hart
Firstly, it hopes to advocate and prevent individuals from entering the homeless community through early intervention, supporting them and the enforcement of by-laws as a preventive measure.
Secondly, it plans to provide effective support by strengthening housing interventions, providing targeted housing options and offering choices and the right support for people to address the issues that put them at risk of homelessness. Lastly, the strategy aims to create an integrated, person-centred service system by improving accountability and services for homelessness outcomes, increasing service integration and collaboration.
Dlamini said although community members may report homeless individuals to their nearest EMPD office and customer care centre, homeless individuals are referred to the provincial Department of Social Development for placement in shelters. “There are many homeless people in the city region and not only in Edenvale,” said Dlamini.
“When they are identified, they are referred to shelters. If they refuse, the city has no legislation or by-laws in place that forcefully places homeless individuals in shelters.”
Dlamini said when attempting to relocate homeless individuals, majority of them prove to be aggressive and uncooperative to receive help. He said relocation facilities are not available when needed as they are limited by capacity.
Dlamini said the SAPS can only perform law enforcement while the COE can only enforce applicable by-laws He said the role of the provincial DSD performs overall management, assessment and funding roles on homeless shelters.
Other roles include:
• Beneficiary referrals for admission.
• Develops norms and standards.
• Capacity building and training programmes.
