In Johannesburg, the increasing number of displaced individuals residing in public parks has become a troubling norm, as open spaces are increasingly occupied by those without homes.
Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) conducts regular cleanups in these areas, yet many residents return once the officers leave, highlighting a persistent cycle of displacement.
One such individual, Anthony Tamel, has been living in Victory Park since June of last year. He shared his struggles, stating: “I have no job. I do recycling, and sometimes I find nice things in the dustbin: phones, power banks, clothes, and food.”
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Tamel voiced that he refrains from stealing, as he believes it is better to recycle than to commit crimes. Originally from Soweto, he learned about recycling opportunities in Johannesburg from friends.
However, he faces challenges due to JMPD’s cleanup operations, which often lead to temporary evictions from the parks. “To live in such conditions is not good,” he lamented, noting that the rubbish accumulation has worsened since his arrival.
When recycling at Strijdom Park, Tamel can earn between R500 and R600, depending on the amount of material he collects. His experiences reflect the broader issue of homelessness in Johannesburg, where individuals seek refuge in public spaces due to a lack of affordable housing and employment options.
JMPD Superintendent Xolani Fihla addressed the issue of homelessness, stating that the City of Johannesburg’s by-laws prohibit loitering and unauthorised use of public spaces, including parks. “A lack of awareness of the by-laws may be one of the reasons for not abiding by rules and regulations,” he explained.
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Areas frequented by homeless individuals are continuously monitored by JMPD officers to enforce these regulations. While enforcement of by-laws is necessary, experts argue that addressing homelessness requires a multifaceted approach that includes social support, affordable housing, and mental health services.
This highlights the need for long-term solutions that address the root causes of homelessness, rather than solely focusing on removal. The situation has also led to significant ecological problems, with litter, clothing, and garbage accumulating in streams within parks like Victory Park.
Ferrial Adam, a water expert and activist with WaterCAN, highlighted that while settlements contribute to pollution, the primary responsibility lies with the city to provide adequate housing and waste management solutions.
She recounted her experiences while working on her PhD, where community workers successfully engaged residents to reduce pollution in rivers by providing rubbish bags and collection points. “However, the lack of municipal waste collection led to further issues, such as animals making a mess of the improperly disposed waste, which resulted in residents resorting to also dump their rubbish into rivers.”
Whilst the city confronts the dual challenges of homelessness and environmental degradation, a collaborative and comprehensive approach is essential.
Addressing these intertwined issues requires the commitment of multiple stakeholders to ensure that both people and the environment receive the support they need for a sustainable future.
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