The Western Cape High Court has ordered the final evacuation of illegal residents from Green Point Tennis Courts in Cape Town. The City of Cape Town has shown empathy towards the occupants and has provided welfare interventions and social support, which include access to transitional accommodations at NGOrun night shelters and Cityadministered Safe Spaces. The City’s approach is geared towards creating a more orderly, inclusive, and fair society, with plans to tackle homeless settlements in the Central Business District and increase its budget for social development initiatives.
Cape Town, a city renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich history, is making significant strides in addressing homelessness within its bustling streets. Recently, Mayor Geordin HillLewis presided over the inauguration of the newly expanded wing of the Haven Night Shelter on Napier Street in Cape Town’s Central Business District (CBD). This achievement signifies a crucial milestone in the city’s continued efforts to assist those living without homes.
The Presidential Employment Programme (PEP): CBD Regeneration Project, supported by the National Treasury, has made significant progress in addressing the issue of homelessness in Cape Town. This partnership between the City’s Enterprise and Investment Department and Khulisa Social Solutions is a crucial component of the City’s Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy (IEGS), aiming to combat economic challenges, inequality, and job creation barriers.
Edgemead, a suburb in Cape Town, faces the challenge of addressing the issue of vagrancy and its connection to criminal activities. The Edgemead Neighbourhood Watch (ENW) has urged residents not to give handouts to vagrants, highlighting the link between their presence and criminal activities in the area. However, it is essential to consider the unintended consequences of this act.
In January of last year, a homeless man named Dumisani Joxo was shot and killed by a law enforcement officer named Luvolwethu Kati in Rondebosch, Cape Town. The incident occurred after an alleged argument between Kati and another homeless man, Linda Mbuqe. Recent testimonies suggest that Kati fired the lethal shot without warning.
District Six, a historic neighborhood in Cape Town, is set to welcome a new homeless adult shelter called the Hope Exchange Shelter. The proposed facility aims to provide refuge for individuals living on the streets. The public consultation process is currently underway until July 14, allowing residents and concerned parties to share their thoughts on the initiative.
Graham Wells, a 46yearold Pelham, Pietermaritzburg athlete, will participate in the Comrades Marathon barefoot on June 11, 2023. Graham’s mission extends beyond personal accomplishment as he runs to raise funds and awareness for the persistent issue of homelessness in his city.
A new 300bed overnight shelter for homeless people in Green Point, Cape Town, is set to be completed by the end of the year. Named “Safe Space” by the City, the project has garnered full support from The Green Point Ratepayers and Residents Association (GPRRA).
The CBD Regeneration Project is an initiative to provide sustainable livelihoods and employment opportunities for people experiencing homelessness in Cape Town. The Enterprise and Investment Department of the Economic Growth Directorate and NPO Khulisa Solutions fund the project. Since its inception, the project has recruited hundreds of homeless individuals who have been trained and employed in various communities throughout the City.
A recent development in Cape Town has shed light on the ongoing struggle of vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness in the City. The City of Cape Town had applied to have a group of homeless individuals evicted from several public sites, including locations in the city center. However, the eviction hearing was delayed after the group, represented by the SocioEconomic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI), filed a notice of intention to oppose the eviction. While disappointing for the City, the delay has opened up an opportunity for a larger conversation about the root causes of homelessness in Cape Town.
Volunteering in Cape Town is a rewarding experience and a window into the city’s social issues. The city is known for its natural beauty but is also home to many social challenges, including poverty, homelessness, and mental health. Volunteering allows engaging with these challenges and actively contributing to positive change.