Homeless people in Boksburg still not accommodated in shelters during lockdown
Hundreds of homeless people in Boksburg are still roaming the streets in search of food and other essential needs.
The government’s promise to provide temporary shelters for the homeless people in Boksburg hasn’t been fulfilled, leaving the homeless exposed to coronavirus and hunger.
As part of the government’s initiative to curb the spread of the coronavirus, President Cyril Ramaphosa indicated that temporary shelters will be identified for homeless people during the 21 days.
Social Development acting MEC Panyaza Lesufi said they have identified 30 schools which have hostel facilities to cater for the homeless people. So far, Laerskool Elspark in Germiston was identified to accommodate homeless people from Boksburg, Kempton Park, Benoni, Germiston, Alberton, Brakpan and Springs.
The Advertiser visited Laerskool Elspark on March 30 and found that the homeless people haven’t been moved as yet.
While the Advertiser browsed through the streets of Boksburg, homeless people were visibly seen hanging around their usual spots.
At around 1pm, a small group of homeless men were spotted sleeping opposite the New Beginnings Care Centre.
Another group of homeless people were spotted in First Street, Boksburg North, cleaning their area which they now call home.
One of the destitute men Kagiso Mokgothu told the Advertiser that they haven’t been moved to the shelters. “We were told by the police that they will come and take us to shelters but up until now they haven’t arrived. We are really suffering since the lockdown started because people who normally gave us food on a daily basis are no longer coming because of the lockdown. We can’t even hustle for food because the police are even restricting our move,” Mogothu said.
Asking if they knew what coronavirus was, Mokgothu’s friend Arnold Ntuli said he didn’t know.
According to Ward 31 Clr Marius de Vos, homeless people in his ward have been approaching him for food and sanitary products. “The provincial government should have at least made contact with ward councillors to assist them with navigating through these challenges as we are connected to the homeless people and those who are in need,” said de Vos.
De Vos further mentioned that officials from Ekurhuleni Disaster Management attended a meeting on March 30, but by the end of the meeting no places of shelters were identified as yet.
He said he has been in contact with the Ekurhuleni Disaster Management Services since March 26 and there has not been a way forward in terms of finding a place to accommodate the homeless people up until this day.
“I counted the homeless people on March 30 to see how many people needed to be placed in shelters. It was mind blowing to have witnessed the harsh conditions these people have to endure,” de Vos said.
The Advertiser sought comment from the Ekurhuleni Disaster Management Services and Social Development and none was received.
Also Read: Homeless gravely affected by Covid-19 lockdown
