​The Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD), in partnership with the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Council and Ekurhuleni Homeless Forum, commemorated World Homeless Day at Kempton Park Civic Centre on Tuesday.
The commemoration took place as countries marked World Homeless Day and it also coincided with the start of Social Development Month (SDM), which is observed annually in the month of October to mark governments' commitment to care for the most vulnerable in society.
The event brought together provincial and local government departments, civil society, and private sector to promote the collaboration of different stakeholders in delivering effective and efficient services to the homeless.
Speaking to Weekly Bulletin, Gauteng Department of Social Development, Ekurhuleni Regional Office Social Work Manager, Adele de Bruin said the purpose of the event was to make communities aware of the challenges experienced with homelessness in Ekurhuleni.
"Today, we are creating awareness on the plight of homeless people in the region and to see how we can contribute to their development. This year marks 3 years of celebrating the World Homeless Day, and we are very humbled to commemorate this day," said de Bruin.
She added that the Department offers a basket of services to help aid homeless people to get back on their feet.
"We have Social Workers both from government and NPO sector who assist homeless beneficiaries with their challenges. We also have religious leaders who provide religious support. We also have partners such as the Department of Labour and Home Affairs who assist with the biggest challenge of acquiring an identity document for them to be able to access job opportunities."
"Manger Care Center also plays a critical role in offering skills development programs to our beneficiaries. We get people with no qualifications that we are able to develop and equip with relevant skills and ultimately place them in jobs. Some have matric and higher education qualifications, and we assist them to realize their full potential," said de Bruin.
One such beneficiary is 30-year-old Michael Shilubane from Kempton Park. He ended up fending for himself on the streets due to abuse of drugs.
Shilubane is a beneficiary of Kempton Park MES, a non-profit organisation funded by the department to change the lives of homeless people.
Telling his tale, Shilubane said he was referred to the Kempton Park MES by a friend this year in February after spending years on the streets.
"Life was tough, I was battling with drugs and alcohol addiction. I went to MES, and they welcomed me and gave me accommodation. They made me attend individual sessions and group sessions and helped me to stay away from drugs."
"I am currently clean from drugs and alcohol for eight (8) months and studying towards my NQF Level 6 qualification in Human Resource Management through a bursary from our safe haven - the Kempton Park MES," said Shilubane.
The homeless program is a government priority that responds to the growing needs of services to people with special needs and to families in South Africa. The Gauteng Department of Social Development, as the lead department, strives to protect the rights of all the homeless people through continuous advocacy for special needs and services to families.