The growing influx of homeless people to Germiston is a serious concern for local businesses, with safety a key issue and business owners calling on the EMPD to enforce by-laws.

Business owners and residents say people sleeping in front of business entrances, doorways and on pavements is a common sight, particularly in the evenings and early mornings.

The Germiston City News sent an inquiry to the CoE regarding the matter, which confirmed it is aware of the issue and is concerned about the growing number of people living on the streets.

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However, the city clarified that homelessness is not an enforcement matter, but a social development issue under the mandate of the provincial government.

According to the city, loitering is no longer a criminal offence, and there is nothing in its by-laws that allows for arresting people simply for occupying public spaces. As a result, the EMPD can ask individuals to move only when it receives complaints.

This often leads to a vicious cycle of people relocating from one business’ front to another without any long-term solution.

Regarding support and intervention, the city says the Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD) is leading efforts to address homelessness.

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“The department is investing more than R300m in building a large homeless shelter in Benoni, which is expected to be completed by 2028. We believe that collaboration between the municipality and the GDSD, once the shelter is open, will significantly reduce homelessness in the region,” says Zweli Dlamini, the city spokesperson.

The CoE has not allocated a budget or additional staffing to deal with homelessness, reiterating that this is a provincial competency.

Attempts at partnerships in the past were hampered by a shortage of safe houses and adequate accommodation.

The city maintains that all responses to homelessness must be humane, legally compliant and respectful of human rights.

Businesses are encouraged to invest in community development initiatives and work with the government and social partners where possible.

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For now, businesses in Germiston continue to navigate a complex and emotionally charged issue, one that highlights the urgent need for co-ordinated, sustainable solutions that support economic activity and the dignity of homeless people.

The Germiston City News also visited the Primrose Methodist Church, which is assisting the homeless in the area. Carol Bowler says the church has run a feeding scheme for almost 20 years. Every Thursday, it provides sandwiches and mini meal hampers.

“This was a small feeding scheme when it started, feeding only a handful of people. Now, it is a lifeline for hundreds of homeless and destitute residents. The numbers are growing every week, and the line gets longer,” says Bowler.

She says there is a growing need in Germiston to help the homeless and less fortunate.

When the GCN spoke to some residents, they said that as unemployment deepens, families lose income, the cost of living rises, and more people are pushed onto the streets. Some are unemployed adults, others are pensioners supporting grandchildren.

Increasingly, young people have nowhere else to turn.

To sustain the feeding scheme, the church, which receives no funding, relies on member donations.

“The kindness of our members has allowed us, as a church, to feed families and those in need,” says Bowler.

A volunteer says it is evident that for some people, the meal they get at the church is likely the only one they have that day.

“It breaks your heart. You look into someone’s eyes and you know this meal might be the only one they eat today,” she says.

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The crisis reflects a broader social reality. Economic pressures, job losses, substance abuse, family breakdown and migration to urban centres have all contributed to a rise in homelessness.

While the church continues doing what it can, the need extends beyond food donations. There is also a demand for blankets, clothing, toiletries, job opportunities, skills training and access to support services.