Homeless to be housed at Saul Tsotetsi Sports Complex during lockdown
VEREENIGING. Despite the national lockdown several homeless people have been seen roaming the streets during the first week of lockdown. In Vereeniging several homeless people were spotted walking the streets, hanging around abandoned properties – such as the one in Athlone Drive – and along the banks of the Vaal River, most notably at …
VEREENIGING. Despite the national lockdown several homeless people have been seen roaming the streets during the first week of lockdown.
In Vereeniging several homeless people were spotted walking the streets, hanging around abandoned properties – such as the one in Athlone Drive – and along the banks of the Vaal River, most notably at Vosloo Park.
On the corner of Old Johannesburg Road and Ring Road a well-known homeless man is still residing under a billboard with his double bed.
According to Lebohang Mofokeng, mayoral spokesperson at Emfuleni Local Muncipality, there is a plan in place to deal with the situation.
“A task team was established with the District disaster management team to deal with the challenges faced by community members during the COVID-19 21 days lockdown.
“Gauteng’s department of social development, under the leadership of acting MEC Panyaza Lesufi requested all the Municipalities to identify community halls and centres to host the homeless.
“Upon receipt of the message, executive-mayor Cllr Gift Moerane together with Emfuleni Local Municipality Social Development identified the Saul Tsotetsi Community Hall as a temporary shelter for the homeless people in the region,” says Mofokeng.
“On th 1st of April 30 sponges and 30 blankets were delivered. This number will increase as more homeless people are being identified,” says Mofokeng.
According to Mofokeng security personnel has been organised to look after the homeless people hosted at Saul Tsotetsi and the provincial department of social development will be providing 3 course meals on a daily basis.
“Social workers distributed cooked meals donated by social development around Vanderbijilpark and Vereeniging hot spots whilst preparing the rest of the homeless to be moved to the identified temporary shelter by Friday,” said Mofokeng.
The Saul Tsotetsi community hall has water, toilets, basins, sinks, a kitchen and space to accommodate +- 100 people
“Primary Health care will do the health screening tests and life skills programs will be conducted whilst hosted at this temporary venue,” says Mofokeng.
