Phalaborwa: ‘We are vulnerable’
Various stakeholders are also said to have come together to make donations towards providing for the homeless during the lockdown.
A tented shelter for ten homeless people has been erected at Impala Park Stadium by the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality.
The mayor, Merriam Malatji, accompanied by the chief whip, Didodo Rapatsa, chairperson for community and social services, Sybrandt de Beer and the municipal manager, Maite Moakamela, said the shelter is part of the President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to help the homeless during the coronavirus state of disaster lockdown.
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The municipality erected three tents. Nine of the ten identified homeless people are currently residing in the tents. The last person refused to be brought to the shelter.
Jerry Mhlongo [not real name] who is currently housed at the shelter, said he had his first proper shower in a long time. He said he felt safe and well-taken care of while being protected from the virus on the streets where he lives.
“I ran away in the middle of the night after I realised my wife is going to kill me.” Mhlongo, originally from the Eastern Cape, said he came to Phalaborwa four years ago and he is struggling to find a job.
“On the streets we are vulnerable. At least my mind will be at peace now, I do not have to worry about hustling for food,” he continued.
Vusi Mzimba, an addict, said the lockdown was hard for him. “I smoke glue but now have no money and have nowhere to find money.”
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Mopani district social development spokesperson, Cedric Sekhula, told Herald that they had a challenge obtaining mattresses but have received a donation from the mines.
“We also need toilet paper, cutlery, blankets, sanitisers, clothing, mosquito repellent, toiletries, masks and soap to enable us to help the homeless,” stated Sekhula.
