Poverty in Heidelberg is evident but is it a lifelong sentence?
With the increasing number of beggars on street corners, Heidelberg did not escape this phenomenon.
Poverty is one of the biggest problems facing South Africa. According to the South African world databank, approximately 55.5 % (30.3 million people) of the population is living in poverty while a total of 13.8 million people (25%) are experiencing food poverty.
It is further estimated that extreme poverty increased by 9% due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Lack of access to employment is named as the single greatest cause of rural poverty.
With the increasing number of beggars on street corners, Heidelberg did not escape this phenomenon. People begging for something to eat, money or a warm blanket became a familiar picture on almost every street.
Although there are organisations and members of the community who provide food and shelter, living on the streets for some is their norm. HERAUT spoke to a few homeless people to hear their stories.
Amos Molefe (40) is seen opposite the police station in Voortrekker Street. Amos worked on a farm, looking after cattle. In 2004, he was shocked by electric wires and lost both his legs. Amos and his wife, Rose, who is expecting their baby, are staying under a parked trailer and cover themselves with cardboard boxes against the cold.
Amos told HERAUT that he makes approximately R150 per month but it is not enough to support him, his wife and their unborn baby who will be born in July.
He also said that he is grateful for the people who know him by now and for the donations of food he gets. “Life is tough on the street, but God will protect us,” Amos said.
Gerhard Delport (84) is another homeless person spotted walking down Voortrekker Street. He told HERAUT about a group of homeless people who meet at the Total garage every morning. They pray, read their Bibles, use the bathrooms at the fuel station to wash before they take their few belongings in their backpacks and walk the streets.
“I worked hard all my life and did not ever think I would live on the streets,” Gerhard said with tears in his eyes, adding he struggles to receive his monthly Sassa grant.
Although Jaco van de Venter (34) is not homeless, donations received through begging on the street corners helps him survive. He fixes windscreens and carries his window kit with him.
“There is not a lot of work and the Covid-19 pandemic made it worse. On the streets, I make enough money to cover my rent and to buy food,” he said.
Poverty in Heidelberg is evident but is it a life sentence?
No work, no income and no other means but to stay and beg on the street corners is a means of survival witnessed daily.
