The Mpumalanga Department of Social Development is on a drive to shelter the homeless people in the province in order to reduce the spread of the deadly coronavirus epidemic.

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.

As promised by the mayor that she will pay them a visit, she did not only paid them a visit but also came to supply them with groceries, clothes, toiletry and sanitizers and carries a message of hope and love from MEC Shongwe. Cllr Malatjie was accompanied by speaker Cllr

Busi Hlumbane, Cllr Thabang Mathebula, Cllr Mr Jerry Djiane and Cllr Derrick Skhosana. The groceries were supplied by Mr Imtiaz Alli of Price Breaker, clothes from Overall and General and other sponsors.

Mayor Malatjie gave the homeless people hope and encouragement them to stay positive even though they face challenges.

“We are trying our best to provide for you to make your stay in the centre comfortable. We will always love you and God as well loves you and will always be on your side. Take this opportunity to reflect on your lives and come out a better person after the lockdown,” noted the mayor.

One of the homeless people thanked the mayor and her team and said forward ever and backwards never and they promise to change their lives.

Bishop Zulu prayed for them.