The outbreak of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic came as a blessing for 19-year-old Tshepo Makgutle from Carletonville in the West Rand.
He says he would have continued to be a member of a gang that steal from people on the streets, but mercy came to his rescue as the Gauteng Department of Social Development took him off the streets to a homeless shelter in Birchleigh near Kempton Park.
Makgutle is one of the homeless people that are currently receiving artisan training at the department funded Xilembeni Project Centre of Excellence in Bapsfontein, Ekurhuleni Region.
"I would like to thank the department for the opportunity that they gave me. They took me off the streets and gave me a second chance to be someone responsible in life," he said.
With tears on his eyes, Makgutle said life has never been the same since he left the streets.
"I will not go back there because I know I will relapse. I will use the skills that I receive at Xilembeni to start my life afresh," he added.
Gauteng Social Development MEC Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi visited the homeless shelters in Ekurhuleni on Wednesday to give beneficiaries hope and a new lease in life.
She also promised to contact and re-unify some of the homeless beneficiaries with their families if they still want to go back home.
"You are not going to exit here without getting adequate skills. What is important for us is to make sure that when you go back home, you are able to bring something for your families."
"We understand that most of you became homeless because you were unemployed and couldn't contribute to your family's wellbeing. Some of you were on drugs, so that is why our social workers are here to provide support and refer you to skills development centres and rehab centres," said MEC Mokgethi.
The visit by the MEC was to ensure that she brings together various stakeholders to give support to the beneficiaries as part of its exit strategy on homeless shelters.
Amongst the participants was the Department of Labour who spoke about employment opportunities, Home Affairs committed to return to the shelter on Friday to assist those who require birth certificates and identity documents. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will help beneficiaries to apply for the R350 Covid-19 social relief grant.