TZANEEN: Only 16 left at Jetty 3 shelter
With the start of lockdown in March, Tzaneen’s homeless were given temporary tented shelter at Tzaneen Dam in a bid to keep them safe from contracting and spreading Covid-19.
Of the 45 people that were initially housed at the homeless shelter at Jetty 3, only 16 are left.
With the start of lockdown in March, Tzaneen’s homeless were given temporary tented shelter at Tzaneen Dam in a bid to keep them safe from contracting and spreading Covid-19.
Spokesperson for the Greater Tzaneen Municipality, Neville Ndlala, said the homeless men residing at the shelter, have received regular visits and check-ups from social workers and health officials.
“With the donation received from local businesses, we are able to give them three meals per day,” he said.
Porridge, bread and tea is served at 09:00 followed by lunch is at 13:00 and dinner at 17:00.
He said two of the homeless were hospitalised with chronic illnesses and some were reunited with their families with the help of the department of social development.
Others escaped as most of them were substance abusers. Centre manager, Michael Rabothata, said they have since ensured that security was tight.
“We also ensure that the departments visiting them follow proper protocols and processes. We provide them with sanitisers and regularly check their temperatures. If there are problems, we call an ambulance as most of them have chronic illnesses,” he said.
Herald spoke to three homeless men who have been staying at the shelter since its establishment.
“I am thankful that they took us and gave us a place to sleep, here we eat three times per day. I am also clean from alcohol and drugs,” said Thabo Sepatake.
Jafta Balayi who hails from Malamulele said he was happy at the shelter and said he was thankful that they have ‘saved’ them.
“I am sure some of us would have died if we were still on the streets,” said Baloyi.
Moses Mashigo said although they feel like they were in prison they know that they are safe and cared for.
“I do miss the streets, however, I know that I am safe here, it is not easy not going out as I please like I am used to but I am grateful,” he said.
Rabothata told Herald that the men have enough blankets and sponges, but they would appreciate donations of warm clothes.
To make a donation Rabothata can be contacted on 072-657-7663.
