DEPARTMENT BRINGS VITAL SERVICES TO THE HOMELESS IN NELLMAPIUS

By Lorato Modisenyane

• In an effort to restore dignity and provide support to Gauteng’s homeless population, the Department of Social Development hosted a service delivery blitz in Nellmapius, in the City of Tshwane.
• The initiative aimed to bring essential services closer to the homeless community and offer real-time solutions to their challenges.
• The blitz offered a range of services from social grant applications to health screenings, from indigent applications to referrals for psychosocial support.

In a powerful demonstration of community support, the Gauteng Department of Social Development, in collaboration with the City of Tshwane, the South African Social Security Agency, the Department of Employment and Labour, the banking sector, and various non-profit organisations, hosted a service delivery blitz at the Nellmapius Community Hall to the east of Pretoria.

This initiative aimed to bring essential government services closer to the homeless community of the area, offering real-time solutions to their pressing challenges.

Pulane Mollo-Chego, a social work supervisor, highlighted the importance of raising awareness about homelessness, which is a new programme in Pillar One of the Department of Social Development – dealing with advocacy, prevention, and awareness.

“Be kind to homeless people and do not disown them,” she urged.

“There are various reasons that can lead to homelessness, and not all affected individuals are involved in criminal activities or substance abuse,” she added. This observation is particularly important as the country observes Human Rights Month.

Delivering real solutions on-site

The event provided a range of services, including:

•       Social grant applications
•       Health screenings
•       Municipal indigent applications
•       Assistance from the Department of Employment and Labour
•       Referrals to non-profit organisations (NPOs) for psychosocial support

One of the NPOs present was Participation Envision Navigator, which showcased its mobile showers, a key initiative offering hygiene services, clean clothes, toiletries, shelter, and counselling to homeless individuals in Tshwane.

Another NPO was Thandanani, an organisation dedicated to addressing substance abuse and homelessness.

Stories of struggle and hope

The event also provided a platform for homeless individuals to share their stories.

Sifiso Hlongwane (31), a father of three, lost his home after being forced out by his father and stepmother.

Struggling with substance abuse, he expressed his desire for rehabilitation and to reconnect with his children.

Despite his challenges, Hlongwane holds a Code 14 driver’s license, has an identity document, and has completed Grade 10, signalling hope for future employment opportunities.

Tumelo Ntshiko (34), who started using substances in 2005, has also been homeless since then.

A matriculant with an N4 business management qualification, Ntshiko once worked for Silverton Engineering but became estranged from his wife and children due to addiction.

Now, he seeks support to rebuild his life and reconnect with his family.

Expanding awareness through radio

To broaden awareness and support efforts to reunite homeless individuals with their families, the Department of Social Development’s communications directorate is conducting interviews on various community radio stations across the province.

Social workers will share insights and encourage communities to play an active role in addressing homelessness.

This initiative stresses the department’s commitment to restoring dignity, providing support, and paving the way for a brighter future for Gauteng’s homeless population.