Help them find a path out of poverty

Life on the street is no joke and the homeless are dependent on the goodwill of others for their survival.

Despite the kindness of the general public, small change makes no difference to the devastating effects of life on the street for most.

Young women and children are the main victims and often face unspeakable challenges.

Desperation can push them into prostitution, addiction and crime, which further impacts their chances of returning to a normal way of life.

Siyabonga Africa, a non-profit organisation based in Brenthurst, is made up of a team of people who are dedicated to doing what they can to assist people out of poverty.

From street interventions and food projects for the homeless, to skills development programmes, as well as support and training for young entrepreneurs and start-up businesses, the organisation finds ways to address poverty on various levels to give people opportunities for a better life.

Siyabonga Africa’s Street-to-Feet programme is aimed at rehabilitating and restoring homeless people.

As from February this year, the programme manager and a team of volunteers have acted against poverty by going out daily, often into precarious places and situations, to engage with individuals and families who are living in these circumstances.

“During their time on the street, the team has witnessed the many challenges faced by individuals and families who are currently finding shelter in abandoned buildings, in shop doorways, in parks, shopping centre ablution facilities and the like,” said Siyabonga Africa CEO Sarah-Jane Brink.

“Girls as young as 15, with children, are forced to sell their bodies in return for protection.

“Drug addiction is rife within the circles of the homeless in Brakpan and, in most cases, is a means of coping and an escape from the harsh realities of street life.

“Being caught in the dangerous grip of drug addiction, most people in these circumstances find it extremely difficult to escape the poverty lifestyle.

“Ninety-five per cent of all cases are drug-related.”

In just four months, over 100 people have been profiled by Siyabonga Africa for intervention – and already many have received much-needed support in the form of basic needs assistance, ID applications, compiling of CVs, medical help, training, counselling and placements into rehabilitation centres and shelters.

The organisation has emergency accommodation units for women and children referred by social workers in Ekurhuleni.

The accommodation is a temporary solution for those who have been assessed and accepted, while in transition to more specialised and long-term support.

Siyabonga Africa aims to build relationships based on trust and respect with each person and family before establishing a plan of action together with them.

Two feeding programmes have been established in areas with a high number of vagrants (Brakpan and Springs), which creates a valuable platform from which to learn and understand the struggles of street life.

A third feeding programme will be launched in August this year.

“We believe that it starts with a plate of food, but ultimately our aim is to create opportunities for these families and individuals to build their own paths out of poverty; off the street and onto their feet,” said Brink.

Siyabonga Africa is networking with the Local Drug Action Committee, churches, NPOs, places of safety, rehabilitation centres, local government, the SAPS, individuals, companies and various other service providers, in order to increase efforts to help people find a life off the streets.

Here’s how you can help the organisation:

• Do you know of a person or family currently living on the street?

Are there any areas where you live that you are concerned about?

Contact Street-to-Feet manager Carol Mofokeng on 011 744 4350.

• Volunteer or join an outreach event/feeding programme.

Share a skill or service or help collect goods or raise funds.

For more information, email info@siyabongaafrica.org.za.

• Assist with medical support such as medical assessments or any drug-related support/services.

These services are always appreciated.

• Donate or join the MySchool rewards programme.

Food, blankets, clothing and monetary donations are welcome.

Email fundraising@siyabongaafrica.org.za for more information.

Siyabonga Africa is situated at 30A Muriel Brand Street.

Also read:

Homeless in Brakpan empowered by NPO