The growing number of people living on the streets in Primrose has raised serious concern among residents, with increasing calls for urgent intervention from the Department of Social Development.
Community members say homelessness in the area has become more visible in recent months, with individuals occupying public spaces, a situation that highlights the need for both immediate relief and long-term solutions.
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As Human Rights Day was recently commemorated, questions are being raised about how the City of Ekurhuleni and Social Development is working to restore dignity and uphold the rights of homeless individuals.
Though the CoE has distanced itself from the issue of homelessness, directing the work to Social Development, it does, however, enforce bylaws.
Residents and stakeholders are seeking clarity on measures in place to ensure vulnerable individuals are not only provided with temporary shelter but also supported in rebuilding their lives.
Key concerns include the availability of shelters and support services in and around Primrose, as well as whether there are plans to expand facilities to meet growing demand.
Access to documentation remains a major challenge. Many homeless individuals lack identity documents, limiting their ability to access healthcare, social services, and employment opportunities.
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The department is expected to outline how it is working with the Department of Home Affairs to address this issue.
There are also calls for more transparency around skills development and upskilling programmes aimed at helping homeless individuals reintegrate into society and secure sustainable livelihoods.
Additionally, residents want to understand how the department measures the success of its interventions and what tangible progress has been made in reducing homelessness across Ekurhuleni.
As the crisis deepens, community members stress that a coordinated approach involving government, civil society, and residents will be essential in restoring dignity and addressing homelessness effectively.
Ward 92 councillor Kade Guerreiro said several individuals have been sleeping at Howe Circle in Sunnyridge and some are located in parts of Homestead.
“It is alleged that one individual is able to access and open a nearby substation at night to sleep there because it is warm. This poses a serious safety and infrastructure risk,” he said.
Guerreiro added that residents have reported incidents of fighting, as well as concerns about the general state and appearance of the area.
“There are clear environmental health risks due to open urination and defecation. In addition, there have been reports of petty theft, including individuals jumping over walls and stealing water meter covers.”
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He emphasised the need for a balanced response.
“While community frustration is understandable, responses have at times become harsh and desensitised.
A more compassionate and constructive approach is needed. These individuals should be assisted with obtaining documentation, such as identity documents, to enable access to essential services like clinics and hospitals,” said Guerreiro.
The Gauteng Department of Social Development confirmed that homelessness in Ekurhuleni affects several thousand individuals, although the true figure may be higher due to underreporting and the transient nature of the population.
According to the department, the rise in homelessness is driven by multiple factors, including high unemployment, rising living costs, urban migration, limited access to affordable housing, family breakdown, substance abuse, and mental health challenges.
Departments, Deputy Director for Media Liaison and Strategy, Busi Kheswa, said the department is implementing both immediate and long-term interventions in Primrose and surrounding areas.
“Immediate interventions include multidisciplinary street outreach teams, referrals to shelters such as Manger Care Centre in Benoni and MES in Kempton Park, food support programmes, and ongoing psychosocial services,” said Kheswa.
“Over the longer term, efforts focus on reintegration, family reunification, substance abuse treatment, mental health support, and improving access to documentation and social assistance.
“Despite these efforts, the department confirmed that there is currently no fixed shelter in Primrose.
Instead, individuals are referred to facilities outside the area through a case-management system.
“The department is, however, working to expand capacity by partnering with community-based, private, and faith-based organisations to establish more shelters and support programmes.”
Kheswa said that, in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs and other stakeholders, homeless individuals are also being assisted in obtaining identity documents, a critical step toward accessing services and employment opportunities.
“Skills development remains a key component of the strategy. Programmes include training in trades such as plumbing, carpentry, and digital skills, as well as agricultural training offered through partner organisations.”
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“Beneficiaries are further supported through referrals to employment databases and work-readiness programmes to improve their chances of securing jobs or starting income-generating activities.
“The department measures success through indicators such as the number of individuals reached through outreach, access to shelters and documentation, participation in rehabilitation and skills programmes, and successful reintegration into families or communities,” said Kheswa.
Kheswa said outcomes to date show gradual progress, including improved access to social services, increased uptake of support programmes, and successful reintegration efforts.
She added that communities play a vital role in addressing homelessness by supporting outreach initiatives, reducing stigma, and partnering with organisations to provide essential services.
