The Gauteng Social Development MEC Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi was not happy with the living conditions at the No 2 Struben Street Shelter, Pretoria Tshwane during her visit on Tuesday. Mokgethi's visit is a continued of taking services to the homeles.
Speaking to the media she said the conditions here are appalling, dehumanizing and unsafe especially for senior citizens".
Mokgethi added that in July already the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) approved a plan that will ensure that our beneficiaries who are sheltered in dilapidated and shady buildings are moved to better equipped shelters, those who wish to be reunited with their families are assisted to do so and those who wish to embark on skills development programs by GPG are also assisted.
"The coronavirus outbreak had presented an opportunity for the department and the City of Tshwane to work together in improving shelters funded by the municipality as the budget is already available" she said.
In Tshwane region, during lockdown level five there were 24 temporary shelters accommodating 1,800 homeless persons. As the lockdown levels decreased and restrictions eased so did the number of temporary shelters and the number of beneficiaries.
Up to eight temporary shelters were closed, 173 beneficiaries self-discharged while 224 homeless people have already been reunited with their families.
Other shelters which were visited are Gate Centre, Life Changing Ministries, Reliable House, Bethesda and De Villiershof.
On Thursday, Mokgethi met with stakeholders working with homeless people and she informed the meeting that Struben Shelter will be renovated, and beneficiaries will be temporarily moved to already identified building until the refurbishment are done.