Jabulani Mkhonza
Communications Manager
uThukela District Municipality

Homeless people have been encouraged to move to temporary shelters during the Covid-19 lockdown announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa. He briefly mentioned this in his address on Monday, that temporary shelters must be identified to accommodate homeless people for at least 21 days.

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In response to that, the Operation Sukuma Sakhe District Task Team, with the assistance of the Department of Social Development, met with stakeholders to deliberate on the matter.

Stakeholders identified the following places as temporary shelters: Inkosi Langalibalele – Forderville Hall, Estcourt Town Hall, Khwezi Hall and Bhekuzulu Hall; Alfred Duma – Utility Hall, Agra Crescent Civic Centre and Limit Hill Hall; Okhahlamba – Department of Social Development (DSD) Centre, Woodford, Acton Homes and Bethany Halls.

Stakeholders were assigned with various tasks and responsibilities: SAPS – to provide safety and security; DSD – essential needs such as clothes, blankets and food parcels; the Al-Imdaad Foundation has already provided sponges; NGOs, NPOs and the business sector will provide meals.

An appeal is also made to anyone else to assist with whatever they can provide. All local municipalities have complied with the requirements, and will avail these shelters and maintain hygienic conditions.

The Department of Health will be carrying out health screening services to ensure that thorough check-ups are conducted, including tests for the Covid-19 pandemic. Awareness campaigns on the pandemic will be conducted on an ongoing basis. Male and female occupants are separated at the shelters.

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