Residents and potential donors are urged to assist the annual homeless census taking place this March 12 from 18:00 till late.

Since the first count in 2022, stakeholders involved in the effort have had the goal of ending homelessness in the city. The count serves to provide accurate data about the homeless population in the metro.

Data on street homelessness across South African cities and towns remains inconsistent and incomplete, and without accurate data, it is difficult to develop targeted strategies, allocate resources effectively, and secure the necessary funding to address the complex issue.

Role players in this year’s count include UP’s Unit for Street Homelessness, Tshwane Homeless Forum, Tshwane metro, and the Department of Social Development (northern corridor), which is undertaking a second in-person homeless count.

This initiative is also supported by Statistics South Africa (StatsSA).

The first such count in Pretoria was conducted in 2022, led by the same partners, with support from Bloomberg Associates and in consultation with StatsSA.

The count in 2022 counted 4 177 homeless people residing in Pretoria.

Research co-ordinator at the Unit for Street Homelessness, Remembrance Mokwena, said this initiative is not only a data-gathering exercise, but also a research project to refine and test counting methodologies that could inform similar efforts in cities across the country.

“Since 2015, our ‘Pathways out of Homelessness’ research project has contributed to the development of the city’s street homelessness policy, documented key interventions and practices, and provided in-depth empirical insights into the lived experiences of homeless individuals in Tshwane,” Mokwena said.

“This new phase of the project builds on the progress made over the past decade. By combining the upcoming count with robust research, we can tailor solutions to real-world challenges. [By] developing strategies to permanently end chronic homelessness and reduce older persons’ homelessness through long-term accommodation and supportive housing options.”

Mokwena said reliable, quantitative, and qualitative data are essential for shaping effective policies, mapping service needs across regions, and influencing decisions at all levels of government and that the Covid-19 pandemic made homelessness more visible and urgent than ever before.

Following the count, the stakeholders aim to introduce sustainable social interventions geared to transitioning the homeless population into productive and contributing members of society.

“The crisis underscored what we already know: homelessness can no longer be ignored, and with the right interventions, it can be ended for many people,” Mokwena said.

“The 2022 homeless count has already demonstrated its value in guiding the city and province in responding more effectively to the needs of the homeless community.

“We now invite all partners and stakeholders committed to ending homelessness in Tshwane to join us in this important effort.

Mokwena said they plan to produce a comprehensive report featuring detailed analysis and actionable recommendations based on the data collected. Together, with your support, we can build a future where everyone has access to a safe, stable, and dignified place to live,” Mokwena added.

For more information, contact the Unit for Street Homelessness, Remembrance Mokwena Ngulele at 012 420 3839 or 072 3793403 or remembrance.mokwena-ngulele@up.ac.za.

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