New ablution facilities restore dignity for homeless community

The new ablution facility will be open daily!

11 minutes ago

Ntsakisi Shipalana 2 minutes read

The powerhouses keeping Bula Monyako going, David Bently, Fridah Sokoma, Fungai Murangandi, Rev Sammy Muller, Jennifer English, Tichaona Ndoro and Kedibone Selahle.

Access to clean sanitation is something many take for granted. However, for members of Benoni’s homeless community, it can be a daily struggle.

On Youth Day (June 16), Bula Monyako officially launched its new ablution facilities in Buyan Street, aimed at restoring dignity and improving the well-being of vulnerable residents.

The project, which was unveiled during a ceremony attended by community stakeholders and members of the homeless community, includes newly built showers and toilet facilities for those who rely on the organisation’s services.

Operating under the Benoni Central Methodist Church, Bula Monyako has been serving the community for years through social support programmes, feeding schemes and HIV/AIDS awareness initiatives.

According to the organisation, it assists about 25 000 people annually through its various programmes.

Bula Monyako runs a rotational feeding scheme on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, with between 80 and 120 people receiving meals.

Donations from businesses such as Woolworths and Chicken Licken, as well as from members of the Actonville community, help support the initiative.

David Bentley, the board chairman, was grateful.

“I am very thankful to everyone who was involved in making this happen today. This is the beginning of something new to this community we have and I feel it is important that we show gratitude for such a milestone,” he said.

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The newly opened ablution facilities were made possible through contributions from various partners and donors, including the Department of Social Development, Benoni Methodist Church, the Bentley family, Kundiso Investments, the Parboo Family and the Lions Club.

In addition to funding support, members of the Lions Club donated essential hygiene items, such as bath towels and toiletries, to assist beneficiaries using the facility.

Bula Monyako staff member Kedibone Selahle, who has been involved with the organisation since 2014, said the project represents an important step in improving the quality of life of those living on the streets.

“One of the challenges homeless people have is the lack of clean spaces where they can bathe and attend to nature when it calls. From when I was a child, I knew that one eats after bathing, and I felt it was important that these people have such a basic right as well,” said Selahle.

The organisation originally began as an HIV/Aids support centre before expanding its services to address broader community needs, including homelessness and food insecurity.

For members of the homeless community, the facility provides more than just access to showers and toilets.

“I believe that this new facility will help us a lot. I have seen most of the people use the water from local dams to bathe, which is not even clean, and most of us don’t even take drugs, so when people see us dirty like those who do, it is sad. This is a big thing for us, and we are grateful to be recognised. I feel like I am part of a community,” said Zakhele Zuma, a member of the homeless community.

As South Africa commemorated Youth Day, organisers said the launch served as a reminder that building a better future requires addressing the needs of all members of society, particularly the most vulnerable.