As the country wrapped up Human Rights Month, the Gauteng Department of Social Development in Tshwane Region, together with various stakeholders, held a Homeless Service Blitz at the Centurion Taxi Rank, Tshwane.
According to the Gauteng Department of Social Development's Tshwane Region Social Work Supervisor, Pulane Mollo-Chego, the purpose of the blitz was to provide information and create pathways for homelessness within Region 4, which is Centurion. Also it was to encourage those who seek help to join shelters, which are in partnership with the City of Tshwane and the Gauteng Department of Social Development, Partnership, and Finance (Homeless Programme)".
Mollo-Chego said that her unit within the department offers funding to Homeless Non-Profitmaking Organizations (NPO's) to render services on behalf of the department, which include psychosocial services, accommodation, skills development programs, and three meals per day.
Welcoming the homeless and government departments present, the Chairperson of Centurion Taxi Operation, an umbrella body for 14 taxi associations, Mohohoma Mokwena, said, "Your services are welcome here.
Conduct your business with confidence as you ensure that our people are informed".
57-year-old Patrick Mhangwani is one of the homeless who attended the program on the day and, relating his ordeal, said, "I used to work for various companies over the years, and I got injured at home. It has not gotten any better since but has gotten worse over the years".
Mhangwani, who is currently living at Centurion's Informal Settlement Sports Park, said he has been getting treatment at Kalafong Hospital, "However, my challenge is that I'm unable to honour appointments because sometimes I don't have transport fees. However, through this blitz, I have secured an appointment with a social worker for next week to secure a move to a government-sponsored shelter, where I hope to get further help".
The homeless blitz was part Human Rights Month, which is commemorated annually in March to remind South Africans about their rights as enshrined in the Constitution.
Among other departments that participated in the homeless blitz were Health, Human Settlement, SAPS, and Homeless Non-Profitmaking Organizations in the Tshwane Region.