The community is faced with an issue of homelessness.
In the Sandton Chronicle Article, Tough life in the shadows, the story of how George Lea Park squatters lived was explained. These dwellers live in harsh conditions and young, innocent children are among them.
Judith Briggs, the chairperson of the Rosebank Homeless Association said, “We are faced with a huge problem as the community is completely unprepared for the issue of the homeless. This crisis is not new and this issue has been going on for years. At this time of year, the cold makes the problem worse as many are left in the freezing outdoors.”
Briggs explained that the shelters are inadequate and he believes that there are not enough suitable shelters for the homeless across Johannesburg. “Homeless shelters do give preference to South Africans but they do not turn foreigners away. The truth is that there are too many people without homes. And there are huge costs involved, for example for lighting and water and it is difficult for non-government organisations to assist here.”
She said that a big issue is the fact that many of the homeless are unqualified and have no paperwork or documents. This makes it exceptionally difficult for them to find a job.
“Our homeless shelter offers a ‘drop in’ service whereby the homeless can come past for a warm breakfast and use the ablution facilities. The shelter also hands out blankets to the homeless and I encourage members of the public to donate blankets to the shelter in our donation box in Rosebank Mall near the Pick ‘n Pay.”
Ward 102 councillor, David Potter said, “In a City of Johannesburg adjusted budget, the City reduced the budget for the homeless shelters by one million rand, taking the budget for the financial year from two million to one million. With the reduction of budget, it begs the question, does the City really care for displaced persons? The City needs to focus on the building of homeless shelters and more social workers are also needed to assist.”
Nkosinathi Nkabinde, communications specialist for the City of Johannesburg said, “The capex expenditure has gone down from two million to one million as social development only needed one million for the renovations of a homeless shelter in region B which includes areas such as Mayfair, Aukland Park and Randburg. There is, however, no budget cut from the Social Development’s Homeless Unit’s operational expenditure.”
Read more:
Community outrage at squatter camp in George Lea
George Lea squatters spark opinions
