Tshwane homeless shelters are the ‘worst’, says MEC

Mokgethi made the remarks during a four-day visit to Tshwane during which she inspected several shelters for homeless people and victims of gender-based violence (GBV). “Tshwane has been one of my worst visits,” she said.

“In Sedibeng, Ekurhuleni, the shelters have been running smoothly; however, the only challenge we have had is in Tshwane.”

She described living conditions at the shelters as being hazardous to inhabitants’ health.

“At some, mobile toilets have been left unemptied for weeks,” said Mokgethi.

She said her team had organised the fast-tracking of issues such as identity documents for the homeless with the Department of Home Affairs.

Other “challenges” included service providers without the proper certification providing meals without being compliant with health requirements.

“In Lyttelton, people complained about stomach problems and diarrhoea.”

Mokgethi said the issue of food poisoning had occurred more than once.

“I spoke to the NPO involved and warned them that they were going to kill our people.”

Mokgethi said during her visit, she had encountered many youths, some of whom had studied at various tertiary institutions but could not complete their studies.

“A man in Tshwane told me that he studied civil engineering but dropped out in the third year. Others wanted to be teachers and police officers.”

She said she would engage with the University of Pretoria and other stakeholders to assist such people.

Another area of focus for her department was to ensure cleaning materials were supplied at various shelters in the metro as most were found to be in a dire state.

“Meals will have to be approved by a nutritionist from the health department, while service providers should have certificates.”

She said her department was also focusing on ensuring that all shelters adhered to occupational health and safety requirements.

Mokgethi said the issue of foreign nationals without documentation in shelters also had to be addressed.

She said the aim was to make the homeless self-reliant and find work so that they could improve their lives.

Tshwane head administrator Mpho Nawa said the metro wanted to thank Gauteng social development department for stepping in to solve various problems at local shelters.

“We have agreed to have a weekly meeting with them to solve some of the issues.”