GOVERNMENT BRINGS SERVICES CLOSER TO TSHWANE’S HOMELESS, RESTORING DIGNITY

By Sipho Ncube

• The Gauteng Department of Social Development makes sure that the most vulnerable people can access government services through targeted outreach programmes.
• Recently, the department reached out to the homeless community at the Bronkhorstspruit Taxi Rank, Sweet Corner, and Nkangala in the City of Tshwane.
• Such outreach campaigns aim to restore dignity, promote social reintegration, and offer sustainable solutions to homelessness.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development is intensifying its efforts to improve the lives of people living on the streets through targeted outreach programmes across the City of Tshwane.

The department recently hosted another Homeless Programme Outreach Campaign, bringing essential government services directly to homeless communities.

The outreach, the second in two weeks, was conducted in partnership with the City of Tshwane, various non-profit organisations, and the Tshwane Homeless Forum.

The integrated drive targeted hotspots, including the Bronkhorstspruit Taxi Rank, Sweet Corner and Nkangala, ensuring that services reach those who need them most rather than expecting vulnerable individuals to travel long distances to access assistance.

Through this hands-on approach, government departments and partners provided a basket of services aimed at restoring dignity, promoting social reintegration and offering sustainable solutions to homelessness.

Speaking during the outreach, a social auxiliary worker from the Mali Martin Polokegong Centre explained that their facility provides emergency shelter, nutritious meals and access to primary health care services. The centre also supports women and men who have experienced abuse, whether at the hands of partners or strangers.

“Our centre offers emergency shelter, nutrition and primary health services. We assist victims of abuse and help them rebuild their lives through various skills development programmes,” she said.

She explained the roles of auxiliary and social workers, noting that social auxiliary workers facilitate structured support groups, while social workers provide therapeutic counselling sessions to address trauma and emotional distress.

Additional programmes include physical wellness activities such as aerobics, as well as skills development initiatives empowering beneficiaries with practical ways to become self-reliant.

Department-funded homeless shelters across the province continue to provide crucial services, including daily meals, safe sleeping facilities, skills development training, family reunification, reintegration into communities and referrals to other support services.