The streets are the only place they know
With winter fast approaching the plight of homeless people in the city is becoming more evident
POLOKWANE –Â People who have to make a living by sleeping on the sidewalks of streets like Schoeman, Excelsior and Magazyn Streets are seen lighting fires late at night and in the early mornings trying to fight off the cold.
One resident, Christelle Swanepoel, has taken up the plight of the poor by collecting clothes and blankets, and spending time with those calling the streets their home.
“There is surely even more than can be done for the people on the street. I don’t comprehend how so many people can go to sleep in a warm bed, while others are left to fend for themselves,” Swanepoel says.
‘Only place we know’
Her sentiments, however, are often not shared by those living on the streets.
Some, like Daniel Malabeng and Christina Bopape say the streets are the only place they know, and where they want to be.
The street is something that doesn’t lie. It is the truth
“Many people say and do things and pretend to be someone they are not.” This is the reason, she says, she prefers to stay on the streets.
“Yes, we are cold and sometimes we even get wet in the rain which makes sleeping almost impossible, but I do not think I will be able to make a living any place else.”
Those who are willing to assist
Organisations like Meals on Wheels make a special effort to assist those on the streets with food, often soup and bread three times a week.
Local churches also come together to assist amid growing demand every year..
Polokwane Municipality spokesperson, Matshidiso Mothapo, says even though the municipality has by-laws that prohibit people from sleeping on sidewalks, the municipality only intervenes when it is reported that the homeless become a nuisance in terms of noise, or when crimes are committed in the area.
