NKANGALA – Scores of homeless and needy people in Nkangala and Ehlanzeni Districts were moved to a place of safety amid the 21-day lockdown period recently announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
However, it is not clear what government will do with the helpless and homeless people after the lockdown period is over. Peter Mahlangu, homeless, said he was worried that he is going to stay there until 16 April. “What will happen to us after the lockdown,” he asked. “So these people are doing this because they are getting money from somewhere, there is no plan to help us get permanent shelter after the lockdown,” he added.
Social Development (DSD) spokesperson, Comfort Ngobe, said that his department will hold talks with its stakeholders on what is going to be done with these people after the lockdown. “At the moment we will engage our stakeholders to map a way forward,” Ngobe said.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) said that the lockdown presents a perfect opportunity for the department to forge partnership with other departments to further assist the homeless after the lockdown. “I think this is the opportunity for the Department of Social Development to partner with the Public Works Department to identify buildings to shelter the homeless beyond the 21 days’ lockdown, especially as the winter is coming and Covid-19 thrives in cold temperature,” DA provincial leader, Jane Sithole, said.
“The DA also calls on the DSD to work with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to ensure the safety of the homeless during the lockdown period,” she said. “The department alone will not be able to render adequate services to the homeless, hence there is a need for a strong partnership with NGOs,” she said.
The DSD team led by MEC Thandi Shongwe on Saturday visited eMalahleni and Steve Tshwete municipalities in search for homeless people and street kids with the aim of ensuring maximum social protection during the Covid-19 lockdown.
According to Ngobe, more than 500 people were identified and taken to temporary shelters in eMalahleni and Middelburg through Operation Search for Homeless and Street Kids. “The aim is not to take them from the streets and dump them at those places but government wants to ensure that they are provided with necessary support during the lockdown period,” Ngobe explained.
“They are provided with dignitary packs, blankets and meals including breakfast, lunch and supper,” he said. Ngobe added that the search will be continued to other parts of the province.
