Such was the decision the Merafong City Local Municipal Council reached recently. In the virtual council meeting of 28 October, the council took cognisance of the various actions that are currently being undertaken to help homeless people at the centre. The municipality provides a shelter for the homeless and related services, as required by the lockdown regulations. The Department of Social Development also provides three meals a day, toiletries and blankets to those staying there.
Social workers have now initiated a reunification process and some people have been reunited with their families. Council has decided that the Department of Social Development should be engaged further to develop a sustainable plan for caring for the homeless as they continue to be a vulnerable group in society.
At the end of the lockdown, the department will also have to identify alternative accommodation for the people as they will have to vacate the Sports Complex so that the municipality can continue providing the services it did before the lockdown.
