Restoration drive reunites people living on streets with families across South Africa
The first group of beneficiaries has entered a support programme that offers counselling, accommodation and social services aimed at helping homeless residents reconnect with their families.
The Pretoria Central Police Station, in partnership with several other stakeholders, recently led a two-day programme to reunite inner-city homeless residents with their families living in different parts of the country.
The Homeless Restoration Programme has been taking place over the past few months, led by Lieutenant-Colonel Dineo Sekgotodi from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation offices, in partnership with the station, social development, churches, and an NGO based in Johannesburg.
A team from Central SAPS led the first group of eight beneficiaries from Durban North, Margate, Randfontein, Durban, Cape Town, KwaZulu-Natal, and the West Rand seeking reunification with their families.
The team included Sergeant Thabang Nkhumise from partnership policing, Sergeant Shinanne Ndou (Sector 2 Commander), and Sergeant Matome from the Detective Branch.
Lieutenant-Colonel Matlou, the shift commander, was also part of the team under the command of Visible Policing Commander Colonel Phil Maboea.
They were joined by CPF member Ndo Msimanga and Pastor Joel Mayephu from the Tshwane Leadership Foundation (TLF).
The eight men were taken to a homeless shelter at 3 Kotze Street in Braamfontein, where they were assisted by the staff and a social worker who will provide rehabilitation, counselling, and shelter until they are reunited with their families.
The station commander, Brigadier Gibin Hlengani Mashaba, welcomed the initiative and thanked all the partners for their unwavering support for their fellow citizens.
“Homelessness in the inner city is a major problem. Over the years, there has been an influx of people, especially males, who dwell on the streets,” Mashaba said.
“The programme is not to forcibly remove the homeless from the streets, but to engage with them and accept all who volunteer to be reunited with their families,” he said.
“This will be a continuous effort by the team providing food, clothing, and temporary shelter. We also plead [with] other NGOs, churches, and community members [to] join us to bring about change.”
For further information, the community can contact Lieutenant-Colonel Sekgotodi on 071 481 3493.
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