Homeless man shares dream of a better life during awareness march in CBD
The event was aimed to raise awareness, promote community involvement, and provide resources to those in need.
Homeless people in Pretoria observed World Homeless Day with an awareness march through Pretoria CBD streets recently.
The Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD), Northern Corridor further hosted a programme at Tshimologo Care Centre in Capital Park on Friday, October 11 as part of the awareness drive.
The programme highlighted the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness, and promoted awareness and community involvement.
Tshifhiwa Mulaudzi, a 53-year-old from Ha Mutsha, Vhenda, shared his personal struggles as a homeless person.
After losing his parents, Mulaudzi was neglected by his siblings and eventually became homeless in Johannesburg.
“Due to lack of employment, I eventually relocated to Joburg and before I knew it, I was homeless in the city of gold,” said Mulaudzi.
He said despite having family in Tshwane, he has lost contact with them, except for his second-born son.
Mulaudzi’s goal is to renew his driver’s licence to continue seeking employment while being sheltered at Youth for Survival in Pretoria.
Departmental Director Khanyisile Mathebula said that homelessness is a priority programme for the Gauteng premier.
She encouraged attendees to use the services offered by various departments.
Remembrance Mokwena-Ngulele from the University of Pretoria’s Centre for Faith and Community added that they have been in partnership with Tshwane metro, Tshwane Homeless Forum, and Unisa since 2015.
“This collaboration led to the successful implementation of the Homeless Policy during the 2019 Covid pandemic and the Homeless Count in 2022,” said Mokwena.
Mokwena added that a strategy has been submitted to Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya, who has shown commitment to addressing homelessness.
“The event is aimed to raise awareness, promote community involvement, and provide resources to those in need.”
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