“Most of them had drug problems and wanted to be on the street; we could not keep them here against their will. We told them, however, that they risked being arrested by the police if they were found on the street,” says Rossouw.

Since then, the homeless, including some street children, have been making the best of the lockdown under the watchful eye of Ms Audrey Dlamini. She has been working with homeless people, especially street children, in Merafong for years.

Through various donations, the group has been afforded shelter and food at the centre. They have also started giving back by fixing some of the issues at the facility.
For several months, water has been leaking next to a pond in front of the building. When the lockdown started, water was leaking through the ceiling of the room usually used by Klub 50.
These issues are now a thing of the past after the homeless fixed them. They say many of the water leaks were resolved just by cleaning the chutes. They also cut the grass and everyone is expected to help with cleaning every morning.
“We will soon have the back of the building sorted out too,” says Rossouw.

One of the homeless men, Mr Craig Ferreira, is a qualified electrician. He was stuck in Carletonville after his job in Parys ended before the lockdown. He has fixed many of the electrical problems at the centre.

“It would be great if it could permanently be used for the homeless and street children,” say Rossouw and Dlamini.
They are asking the community to assist in providing extra blankets and coffee for the residents during this particularly cold time. Anyone who can help should call Dlamini at 079 349 1201.
“This place has so much potential, it must just be maintained and used properly,” Rossouw and Dlamini said.
“The cause of the leaks will be investigated and addressed shortly,” the municipality said about the leaks that are still giving problems at the centre.