The City of Johannesburg has taken note of a displaced man who lives on the pavement of a property in Lyndhurst and will send social workers to assess the circumstances.

This follows after a Johannesburg Road resident in Lyndhurst, who asked to remain anonymous, contacted the publication on March 9 to report that a displaced person had moved onto a neighbour’s pavement, which had since become an eyesore due to the accumulation of recyclable materials.

Nthatisi Modingoane, city spokesperson, said that the City of Johannesburg Council had approved the City of Johannesburg Policy on homelessness in September 2024.

Read more: Displaced person illegally occupies a pavement on Johannesburg Road

“The overall goal and objective of the policy is to contribute towards the city’s aspirations of fulfilling the Sustainable Development goals, the National Development Plan (IDP) directives, the IDP and other relevant strategies that foster a better quality of life for the street homeless persons.

The policy also engenders the active involvement of various stakeholders in improving the socio-economic well-being of the homeless in the city,” said Modingoane.

One of the policy’s directives and interventions is outreach and community awareness.

Through this intervention, the Migrant, Displaced Persons and Children Services sub-unit team, daily from Monday to Friday, conducts outreach to identify hotspots invaded by displaced persons to inform them about the services available for their needs and how to access them.

This intervention also involves the broader community, particularly rate-paying residents, by raising awareness of the challenges faced by people experiencing street homelessness and encouraging residents to play an active role in supporting the city’s efforts to manage the issue.

“The awareness is done through Community Policing Forums, residents associations, and public meetings. Awareness also includes meetings with shelter beneficiaries where they [aforementioned organisations] can raise their concerns, which assist the city in improving the services to the homeless community,” added Modingoane.

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The spokesperson reiterated that the social development department was responsible for informing beneficiaries about the services available.

“This is a voluntary service which cannot be forced on potential beneficiaries.

Homeless persons are mobile in their nature, and the assessment from social workers will determine further intervention and identify stakeholders who need to be part of the intervention. For this case, social workers in Region E will conduct an outreach in Lyndhurst to assess the circumstances and inform the street homeless person about the services available.”

Modingoane added that should the [displaced] person agree to the services, he will be taken to a facility where a social work needs assessment will be conducted and relevant intervention will be provided according to the outcome of the assessment.

“Should the onsite assessment indicate that the person has a mental disorder, then the Mental Health Care Act comes into effect.

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If the persons are found to be a danger to themselves and others, section 40 of the Mental Health Care Act states that the South African Police Services should remove the person to the nearest hospital for a 72-hour psychiatric evaluation and further assessment.”

The matter is normally resolved by SAPS calling an ambulance, and the displaced person is taken to the nearest hospital.

Lyndhurst’s allegedly illegally occupied house

The publication also inquired to the City of Johannesburg about an allegedly illegally occupied house in Lyndhurst, which was raised by Ward 81 councillor, Joanne Horwitz.

Modingoane confirmed that the illegally occupied house in Lyndhurst was referred to the Group Forensic and Investigation Services: Property hijacking and compliance, for investigation and verification.

“Where illegal occupation is confirmed, the city will implement a coordinated, multi-disciplinary response. This may include engagement with the property owner, enforcement of applicable by-laws and collaboration with law enforcement agencies to address any unlawful activities.”

Further action will be guided by the outcome of the investigation and in accordance with the applicable legal processes. The city remains committed to ensuring compliance with municipal regulations while balancing enforcement with humanitarian considerations

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