The temporary tented shelter at Jetty 3 in Tzaneen has become a place of refuge against the coronavirus for more than 40 homeless people in Tzaneen.
“Here they are safe against the spread of the virus and have received food, hand sanitiser and clothes for the lockdown period,” said Neville Ndala, spokesperson for Greater Tzaneen Municipality.
“Supervisors make sure everything is clean, from the blankets to the utensils. The accommodation is inspected regularly and the sleeping tents are checked. We have received donations from local business people, SASSA, Mopani District Municipality, a Hindu organisation in Tzaneen as well as individuals,” he said.
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A concerted effort is made by various stakeholders to make sure they have everything they need. “A mobile clinic do regular checkups. If we follow all the hygiene protocols, they will stay healthy,” said Nathi Sedibe, a volunteer at the shelter.
They also receive regular meals. Porridge is served at 09:00. This is followed by bread and tea, lunch is at 13:00 and dinner at 17:00. One of the homeless told Herald that the shelter is like a rehabilitation centre.
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“I have been struggling with drug dependence for a long time, my family have spent a lot of money to clean me up. The shelter is helping as I have no access to money to buy drugs. We have been taught hygiene routines and how to social distance ourselves,” he said. “Some of the people have left the shelter after realising that they will not able to do drugs on the inside.”
Ndlala said the municipality is doing everything in their power to trace those that have absconded and bring them back as they are contravening many of the regulations under the state of disaster and will get into trouble.
