Publications
Partners
With homelessness becoming an ever-increasing concern in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, the need for temporary shelters where the homeless can receive a meal, medical attention, and take a shower, is a necessity.
Gustav Rautenbach, DA spokesperson for safety and security for the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro said that to be homeless is not a crime; instead it is a result of various circumstances which have played a role in an unfortunate situation.
He said that as a result of the situation many homeless people do not know where their next slice of bread will come from, and continue to be exposed to various elements while living on the streets.
Rautenbach said that he is unaware of any recent statistics on homelessness in the metro; however, he said that it is important for a survey to be conducted to better understand the severity of the situation.
“Homelessness is becoming an even bigger problem, and we need to find a solution before the situation gets out of hand,” said Rautenbach.
He said that it is vital that the various role players, such as the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, the Department of Social Development, Non-Profit Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations, and the SAPS, work together to identify accommodation for homeless people throughout the metro.
Rautenbach further said that everyone comes from a specific home, including the homeless, but that they are not always aware of the circumstances faced at their previous homes.
In addition to providing the homeless with shelter, he said that it was also essential for the Department of Social Development to come on board to help get the homeless back to their former homes, and help with the well-being of those living on the streets.
“It hurts to see children sleeping on the side of the road. It is therefore important for homeless people, especially children, to be reunited with their families and strengthen family bonds,” said Rautenbach.
He said that many people living on the street walk between cars on the road which can be dangerous; however, when residents contact Metro Police, SAPS, or traffic officials, their standard response is that they do not have a place to take them to and can only chase them away.
Rautenbach said that not long after the officials chase them away, they are back again at the same spot.
He said that the homeless cannot be forced to stay at a shelter, but they can be given the option of accommodation.
“It would be great if the homeless can receive a cup of soup and bread, receive medical attention, and take a shower while at the shelter,” said Rautenbach.
He said that during a safety and security committee meeting held in July 2019, a Draft Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Police Department (NMBMDP) Joint Intervention Strategy for Homeless People in Nelson Mandela Bay was presented, and in conclusion it was noted that the draft would be approved in principle and a progress report be submitted at the next meeting.
Despite the submission of the intervention strategy, Rautenbach said that there has been no progress on the strategy in the last four years.
According to the minutes of the safety and security committee meeting in July 2019, the purpose of the Draft NMBMDP Joint Intervention Strategy for Homeless People in Nelson Mandela Bay is to have an integrated approach in addressing complaints regarding homeless people at problematic hot spots, where homeless people have continued to infringe on certain areas in the metro which has caused friction within the affected communities and has affected the quality of life of the residents.
The document further states that the list of roleplayers should include the SAPS, Home Affairs, Sassa, immigration, and public health.
During the most recent safety and security committee meeting on October 31, he tabled a motion for a progress report to be submitted at the next meeting which was unanimously adopted by the committee.
In addition, Rautenbach suggested the below ahead of the committee’s next meeting:
1. That in conjunction with human settlement, facilities, the provincial Social Development Department and any other relevant roleplayers, they assist by identifying suitable accommodation in the metro to house homeless people;
2. That a progress report be submitted to the safety and security committee as a standing item;
3. That a case study be undertaken as to how other municipalities address the issue of homeless people;
4. That a policy be drafted and that the Draft NMBMDP Joint Intervention Strategy for Homeless People, form part of the implementation plan.
“The intervention strategy is now just hanging in the air, but it is important for us to deal with this situation and find a solution,” said Rautenbach.
“We cannot sit back and do nothing. It is important for us to work towards giving people their dignity back.”
According to municipal spokesperson, Mamela Ndamase, from 2018 to 2021 256 homeless people living on the streets in NMBM were profiled.
From 2022 to 2023 this number decreased to 129.
“There are approximately 200 more, however they refused to be profiled or provide any personal details,” said Ndamase.
She further said that there are eight shelters run by Non-Governmental Organisations that are known by social workers.
“There are collaborations between NMBM and the Department of Social Development on homeless shelters, however we do believe more needs to be done.
“It must also be noted that the shelters in the NMBM are run by NGOs,” said Ndamase.
Contact details for shelters in Nelson Mandela Bay:
- Vistarus: 041 484 1106
- MES: 041 451 0398
- Maranatha: 041 586 0017
- Jerusalem Ministries: 041 581 7089
- Healing Hands : 061 627 0230/076 959 0812
- Bet Sheekoom: 041 582 3321
- Protea Place of Safety: 041 585 8577
- Ethembeni Safe Home for Elderly: 063 368 9850.
