Sheltering the homeless
It was reported that about 430 homeless people have been placed in different shelters around the province
The department of Social Development is on a drive to shelter the homeless people in the province to reduce the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
It was reported that about 430 homeless people have been placed in different shelters around the province.
This is part of heeding the call to place them in shelters during the 21-day lockdown.
On Saturday, March 28, in eMalahleni Social Development MEC Ms Thandi Shongwe accompany by the Executive Mayor Cllr Linah Malatjie and social development officials place 16 homeless people at Ethembeni Children’s Haven under Bishop Jeremiah Zulu.
Addressing the homeless Ms Shongwe said that they were doing this out love and care for the homeless.
She said as the department they were on a drive to shelter the homeless and this was done nationally.
“We wanted to make sure that you are well accommodated, well-fed, cared for and supported during the 21 days lockdown. As the country is faced with the epidemic we need to stand to stand together as a nation. This not about politics and the epidemic is not a joke and is spreading fast. We will ask our business partners to supply you with clothes and other needs. Please obey the house rules under Bishop Zulu as he is now in charge of you. We love you and we will always love,” said MEC Shongwe.
According to the Department of Social Development, it will take authorities two more days to round them up in the rest of the province.
Executive mayor Malatjie thanked Bishop Zulu for giving shelter to the homeless.
She said Bishop Zulu responded positively when a need arises.
She also encouraged the homeless people not to lose hope and that they will be well taken for.
They were also provided with toiletries.
Some of the homeless people’s families were consulted and gave permission for them to be sheltered at the Bishop Zulu place.
“Maybe this is the time God is giving us to reflect on our lives and be integrated back to our families. I will come and check on you after a few days to see the progress, as you know that we are doing this out of love,” added the mayor.
