​28-year-old Andrew Shilenge said homelessness has taught him the importance of family preservation. He shared this testimony last Friday during the International Day for Families hosted by the Gauteng Department of Social Development Tshwane Region at Rethabiseng Community Hall.
Shilenge became homeless after his family house burnt down seven months ago. He says he was staying alone at the time of the ghastly fire.

He said, “Through the help from the Department of Social Development, I was introduced to The Life Changing Project which operates a shelter for the homeless. The time I have spent at the shelter, I have been to acquire skills in welding, security and brick laying which I hope will assist me shape a better future. Being in the shelter, I also learnt the importance of family preservation because family is the cornerstone of the community.

Department’s Social Worker Maria Makhafula said that due to the outbreak of COVID-19 more than two years ago, there are now seven homeless shelters which are funded by the Department which accommodate different members of the families.

Sister Berly Ncoco from Rethabiseng Local Clinic encouraged residents to take care of each other and said, “As a community we should learn to take care of each other and share good practices that will lead to various families living in harmony”.

There were presentations other state Departments such Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and Non Profit Organisations like the Mali Martin Polokegong Centre (Shelter), South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drugs Dependence (SANCA), City of Tshwane and Kids Care.