The hell of Lekwa’s homeless in winter
“Wouldn’t it be great if Standerton had a Salvation Army facility as temporary shelter for the homeless with a bed, meal and a message?” he concluded.
The homeless in Standerton fend for themselves and nighttime remains problematic since refuge has to be sought.
The Standerton Advertiser’s offices in Burger Street have two alcoves that have been used on more than one occasion by the down-and-out, across the race barrier.
Taking personal safety into consideration, the person gets up, puts on shoes that have seen better days and collect their items, such as dirty blankets and cartons.
A toothbrush and condom were once left and cigarette butts are usually a testament to the time spent outdoors.
The newspaper saw one man on a cold August morning at about 11:00, sleeping in front of the one door.
Upon investigation, he was breathing and lying still, with his head covered partly.
Two women walked past, gave a cursory glance and the newspaper overheard a conversation in which one said the man smokes gwai.
This was refuted later on by one domestic worker on her way home. The newspaper contacted a business person in town, who wishes to remain anonymous.
He manages a soup kitchen on Saturdays, Kuyenzeka Kunkulunkulu, and asked whether the number of homeless is on record.
He said they sleep all over the place to prevent others from knowing their whereabouts. He added that they steal from one another for a rand or two.
According to him, some sleep in a shack with family or friends, while others go to the bridge at Standerton River Park.
The vandalised swimming pool area, or an empty toilet at an empty house, is also used. Standerton Tennis Club has had their share of misfortune with people sleeping inside the clubhouse.
Some sleep on the pavements and regularly change their sleeping spot. According to the businessman, they talk easily about sleeping on the pavement to garner sympathy.
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Standerton Post Office previously had an influx of the homeless and has since closed the entry to some of the post boxes.
The stoep on the side is used by one or two.
“Wouldn’t it be great if Standerton had a Salvation Army facility as temporary shelter for the homeless with a bed, meal and a message?” he concluded.
In a letter from the Department of Social Development, the need for a forum with all role-players is addressed.
A meeting at the Jerrie van Vuuren Building was scheduled for August 8 at 10:00.
Kuyenzeka Kunkulunkulu believes that a life skills centre will equip the homeless/ substance abusers for a productive life.
According to them, it can be used as part of a broader rehabilitation programme, especially as an after-care facility for rehabilitated abusers.
At this facility, they cannot only be equipped to re-enter mainstream society, but also regain feelings of self-worth.
They believe a forum meeting with all role-players present is the ideal venue to get such a life skills centre off the ground.
Challenges such as a premise for such a centre, volunteers to run the centre, along with funding could be addressed.
“Unfortunately, we also foresee that enthusiasm for the homeless might not be shared by everyone.”
Kasselman Security Services has been running a soup kitchen for some time in Caledon Street on Thursdays.
People line up in front of the Klipkerk and a spiritual message is delivered from time to time. A nourishing meal, bread and pap are handed out and nobody is left hungry.
Should the food be enough, second helpings are given.
Rumours about the standard of the food did the rounds at one stage and the Advertiser investigated, tasted the food and could report to the contrary.
Were it not for businesses and organisations in Standerton, Jannie Kasselman and his team would not have been able to provide this service to the needy.
The food is prepared in big pots, using gas and their donors since April include Highveld Milling for mealie meal, Goldi for chicken and Marsaviv for mince meat.
The Lions Club delivers containers, Verblyden Slaghuis works on the buck, Kasselman Guarding Services donate spoons, Debonairs the bread rolls and Wimpy the vegetables.
Toyota Knights recently delivered tinned food and C & F Gas and Paraffin donated gas. They also receive a six-monthly donation from Cofco and rice comes all the way from Val.
Companies such as La Stanespa and W/one go the cash route.
Ons Winkel donates books and clothes and Totally Gas recently delivered a new gas bottle and two-plate-stove.
The homeless with psychiatric problems, or those using substances to escape reality, remain.
