The Gauteng Department of Social Development (DSD), in partnership with the Tshwane metro, non-profit organisations (NPOs) and the Tshwane Homeless Forum, has intensified efforts to support people experiencing homelessness.

They are doing this through a co-ordinated outreach programme conducted across key hotspots in the Tshwane region.

The outreach formed part of the department’s ongoing intervention to ensure that people living on the streets are informed about available social services and supported towards dignity, care and long-term solutions.

Areas covered during the operation included Montana Shopping Centre, Gezina Station, Train Park and Wonderboom Station, which were locations identified as common gathering points for homeless individuals.

According to the department, the primary focus of the outreach was to engage directly with people experiencing homelessness, provide information on available support services, and encourage voluntary access to shelters and reintegration programmes.

These services are delivered through collaborative partnerships between the Gauteng DSD, the metro and funded NPOs operating within the homelessness sector.

Explaining the purpose of the programme, departmental social work supervisor Pulane Mollo-Chego said social workers from the department’s intake and field services were at the event to guide individuals toward getting the help they need.

“The department is here to promote its services and to encourage people who require assistance to consider shelter placement.

“These shelters operate in collaboration with the metro and the Gauteng Department of Social Development through the partnerships and Finance Homeless Programme,” said Mollo-Chego.

She further explained that the department’s homeless unit plays a critical role in funding homeless-focused NPOs that deliver services on its behalf.

These services include psychosocial support, temporary accommodation, skills development programmes, and the provision of three meals per day.

While no individuals agreed to immediate shelter placement during the outreach, Mollo-Chego said the engagement itself remained meaningful and impactful.

“Although no individuals from the various hotspots volunteered to be referred to shelters on the day, approximately 170 people were reached and provided with meals during the outreach,” she said.

One of the individuals engaged during the programme, David Mabaso (58), shared his personal journey and the circumstances that led him to life on the streets.

Mabaso said he left home in 2020 following a disagreement with his wife, choosing peace over conflict.

Through recycling, Mabaso manages to earn an income and continues to support his children financially, while visiting them from time to time.

Although he declined relocation to a shelter at this stage, he indicated that his situation may change in the near future.

“As I get older, I may go back home, even though my wife has since moved on with her life,” he said.

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