​Last Friday, The Gauteng Department of Social Development officially opened the Manger Care Centre, a shelter for homeless people at Brentwood, in Benoni, Ekurhuleni.
The Department partnered with Ekurhuleni Metro Municipality and Manger Care Centre to transform cargo containers into park homes which houses over three hundred and twenty (320) homeless beneficiaries since the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic that has left many people living on the streets devastated.

The project, which was established in July 2021, has restored hope for homeless people and provided skills in clothing and textile, carpentry and upholstery, and various agricultural projects that will ensure that beneficiaries become self-reliant after exiting the shelter.

Speaking to beneficiaries and key stakeholders, Gauteng Social Development MEC Morakane Mosupyoe said the persistent socio-economic challenges will always remain a tough task for homelessness.

“Today, as we launch these park homes, as Social Development we are thankful to all stakeholders that have played a part in ensuring this is possible. Ending homelessness can only be attained through a multi-stakeholder approach, in which communities, civil society organisations, government agencies and private sector work together to implement systematic responses that will help prevent recurring homelessness,” said Mosupyoe.

“Such interventions include treatment for substance abuse, provision of health and mental health services, skills development to facilitate job creation, shelter and housing, and reintegration,” she added.