Download PDFOn Thursday, 26 October 2023, I went to interview the people on Pritchard Street in the Johannesburg Central Business District (Joburg CBD) about the effects homelessness. During these interviews I bumped into homeless people sitting with blankets, and I could tell they were hungry and troubled.
Speaking to Sizwe Dlamini (30), who has been a Joburg CBD resident for about 16 years. He mentioned that homelessness is caused by a lack of jobs and depression, which leads to drug abuse. Dlamini added that the government once tried to intervene without success.
An anonymous source revealed that the municipality once provided shelter for the homeless at Beta Solomon. But she alleges that the homeless complained about the space and went back to the streets after about a week. Unlike Dlamini, she believes that the issue is caused by kids who do not want to listen to their parents and choose the wrong route in life.
Another interviewee that wanted to remain anonymous said, “They are so used to being in the streets that they never want to be helped. My worry is when it is the rainy season. I wonder how they remain safe with no shelter or food. It is a painful situation, but sadly nothing can be done about it.” The interviewee has been a resident of Joburg CBD for 30 years.
This issue of homelessness should be addressed, but how can we help them? As a rainbow nation, we must take a stand and help those in need.
This article was submitted on 26 October 2023. You may republish this article, so long as you credit the authors and Karibu! Online (www.Karibu.org.za), and do not change the text. Please include a link back to the original article.
