In their shoes: a night on the street
Residents endured a bad night's sleep on the street as part of the Tower of Life's Homelessness Imbizo this past Mandela Day.
For many residents it was a first and certainly very different Mandela Day, experiencing one night in the shoes of the homeless and destitute members of the community.
The Tower of Life Foundation hosted a Homelessness Imbizo at the Tower of Life Shelter in Krugersdorp CBD.
Almost 160 people from all walks of life met at the shelter at 8pm around konka fires, chatting about the topic of the night –homelessness.
The startling statistics of drug abuse in Krugersdorp were presented by Dr Hodzwa from Monash University, reminding attendees that substance abuse is one of the primary causes of homelessness.
A former homeless person and recovering addict told attendees that anyone can become homeless overnight, with just one wrong choice.
The message was loud and clear, sleeping on the street is not fun. It is a cold, harrowing and scary experience.
“The good news shared with attendees was that there is hope for the homeless. It starts with the ‘normal’ people reaching out to the homeless; not by spending money or giving them things, but by acknowledging the humanity of the homeless person, treating them with respect and working with them to restore their dignity, which will lead to us finding solutions for their problems.
“It is a journey of building a community,” said Gert Jonker, community leader and activist for the rights of the homeless community.
Attendees then set off to spend the cold winter night sleeping outside the shelter.
The event was ended with a sunrise church service and communion lead by Reverent Anton Mieney, a partner of the shelter.
A practical way the community can get involved in helping the homeless community is by purchasing vouchers from the Tower of Life.
These vouchers, sold in books of five vouchers for R100, can be redeemed by a homeless or destitute person for a hot shower, a warm meal and a soft bed. One voucher costs R20.
“Your R20 contribution can make an immediate difference. Instead of giving money that might be used for alcohol or drugs, give a voucher. It will guarantee that your money is not wasted,” said Anthony Weilbach, CEO of the Tower of Life Foundation.
These vouchers can be bought at the Tower of Life by contacting Anthony on 060 992 8719.
Related articles:
•Homeless man found dead at Witpoortjie station
•Sponsor some warmth this winter
Want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us an SMS/ WhatsApp message with your name and cellphone number to 079 435 3799.
Familiarise yourself with our WhatsApp service disclaimer.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Randfontein Herald, Roodepoort Record and Get It Joburg West Magazine
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
