Blind homeless man needs help
A tiny shelter behind a tavern is the sleeping place for a blind homeless man.
Meet Simpiwe Kgabane, a 55-year-old homeless man living in an old brick shed behind a tavern.
In the small, condemned shed, which used to house a water tank, lies Simpiwe’s blankets and his few belongings.
A social auxiliary worker from The Bethany House Trust’s Child Protection Unit, Tsholofelo Maloi, contacted the News to show the dire state in which Simpiwe is living.
In the shed, he doesn’t have water, electricity or a toilet.
Tsholofelo said it is a challenge to help Simpiwe as he has no close friends or family. What’s more, Simpiwe is blind.
“One day my sight just faded,” he told the News.
He also does not have an identity document, which makes it difficult to apply for help at a safe house or organisation that cares for individuals with special needs and disabilities.
Most mornings members from the Impumelelo Day Care Centre fetch Simpiwe to spend the day at the centre. There he receives a cooked meal before being taken back in the afternoon.
When he is not at the centre, he visits his friend who lives close by, or sleeps his time away.
“I cannot call this a home. The noise from the tavern is very disrupting.”
Tsholofelo’s greatest wish is for the community to assist in placing Simpiwe in a shelter.
If you want to help, contact Tsholofelo on 011 660 2769 or email tsholofelo@childincrises.org.za.
Read more:
‘The homeless man is my brother’
A good night’s rest for homeless man
Homeless thrown out of shelter over Christmas
Helping the homeless back on their feet
