Port Shepstone provides havens for the homeless
On the South Coast, provision has been made to protect homeless people in and around Port Shepstone by providing temporary shelters for the duration of the lockdown.
As the Covid-19 pandemic gathers momentum, authorities are faced with the enormous task of protecting some of the country’s most vulnerable citizens – the homeless.
On the South Coast, provision has been made to protect homeless people in and around Port Shepstone by providing temporary shelters for the duration of the lockdown.
So far, two have been identified – White City Hall in Protea Park and the Merlewood Community Hall in Mkholombe.
These facilities are currently giving sanctuary to more than 46 homeless people.
The provision and equipment of the shelters is a joint effort between Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, Health Department, Environmental Services, Community Safety and Social Development and several local businessmen.
Chairman of the social cluster, RNM Political Command, Selvan Chetty said it was important that all citizens were in a safe and protected environment during lockdown.
Sipho Dlamini (27) whom the Herald met on the streets of Port Shepstone said he feared going to a shelter as there was no guarantee he would receive medication to help him cope with withdrawal symptoms.
However, Cllr Chetty gave assurances that everybody was being attended to by health care professionals to determine their health status prior to them being accommodated at the shelters.
“Addictions will be managed through professional care and attention. It is a better option during this pandemic as rummaging through waste and sharing drugs at this critical time renders people vulnerable to the Covid-19 virus.”
The shelters also provide meals, and basic hygiene packs containing essentials such as soap, toothpaste and towels.
Nhlakanipho Shazi (21) has been living on the streets of Port Shepstone for more than five years and said he had been unaware of the shelters.
“I will consider going there because its tough being here on the streets. In order to survive, you’ve got to fend for yourself and this might help me re-think my life.
“I mixed with the wrong crowd and left home because of my addiction to drugs. My family really cares about me, they have tried to get me off the streets but I just keep going back.”
Cllr Chetty appealed to those on the streets and to the general public to encourage the homeless to make use of the shelters during lockdown.
“It is an offence for anyone to be found loitering or begging. It is precisely for this reason government has provided shelters to care for those in need. They must take advantage of this opportunity and use the facility.”
According to Jay Abrahams of Mkholombe, this was the best news he’d heard since the pandemic broke out.
“When you are used to life on the streets, there is freedom to do what you want but there is no form of security. These guys have security now, they have a roof over their heads, and food and this could possibly help rehabilitate some of them,” he said.
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality spokesman Simon April said anyone who would like to assist the shelters in any way could contact Neli Thabatha at 082 447 1741 or Neli.Thabatha@rnm.gov.za
Kudos were also given to the businessmen who assisted during the first week of this crisis, especially with the setting up of the shelters and the provision of food and other necessities.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
