The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG), led by the Department of Social Development, conducted a service delivery blitz in park homes as part of the commemorations of World Homeless Day, observed annually during Social Development Month.
The theme for the event held at Wembley Stadium, Turffontein, on October 14 was Locals Act Locally on a Global Day. Its aim was to promote the collaboration of multi-stakeholders in delivering effective and efficient services to homeless families in need of government interventions.
There were services from government sectors, NPOs and civil society groups to assist the homeless, especially those in need of identity documents, skills development and various other interventions to help them get back on their feet. Home affairs and health departments were there, as well as Sassa.
These sectors brought services like the application of IDs, vaccination and the application of the R350 social relief of distress grants.
Beneficiaries of park homes
When Covid-19 started, the homeless were housed in tents at Wembley Stadium; however, the government wanted to give them some dignity by building park homes.
They also equipped them with skills development as part of boosting the social development department’s exit strategy.
Ikusasa Lethu Youth Project, under the guidance of the social development department, is managing the park homes, where 60 people live.
Mkhosonke Dlamini, who is the social auxiliary worker and manager for the project, said they have divided 60 males who are beneficiaries into two cottages, although they will ultimately have 400 people.
“These beneficiaries were referred to us by social workers and law enforcement authorities. We develop them holistically so that when they leave after six months, they are ready to face the world and continue with their lives.
“We also help those who are studying to fulfil their dreams, especially foreigners who do not have the proper documentation; hence, we work with the home affairs department,” he said.
Launch delayed
The director for special needs and services, Khanyisile Mathebula, explained October 14 was supposed to be the launch for the park homes; however, it has been postponed to a later date.
“Today we are doing a service delivery blitz. We want all the beneficiaries to exit here and go back to their normal lives, as each and every one of them has different needs. We also commemorated the homeless people, there will still be the official event that will be led by our political principals.
“Our government is concerned about homeless people, hence we are here. We have an approved strategy with the social development department to deal with homelessness. Our dream is not to see anybody on the streets. The purpose of the event is to promote collaboration of all stakeholders and create awareness on the plight of homeless people, also educating the public,” explained Mathebula.
One of the Wembley Stadium beneficiaries, Olley Accom, thanked Ikusasa Lethu Youth Project and the department for this intervention.
“I am from KwaZulu-Natal and I came here 20 years ago for better work opportunities. I was enslaved by substance abuse that cost me everything dear to my heart. I was homeless for two years before Ikusasa Lethu Youth Project found me. I will always be indebted to them.
“Here I am reminded that I do matter, I am reminded of what home feels like, and I’m not homeless anymore. To all the beneficiaries, I will like to tell you that we need to take ownership of our lives,” he said.
