Jean-Paul Pophaim and Kelebogile Olivier
Cape Town - Homelessness as a complex social issue can be witnessed across the globe, and South Africa is no exception.
With the current dire socio economic state of our country, the growth of the homeless population is expected to continue on an upward trajectory.
With the lack of social support and the exponential growth of unemployment and poverty rates, many more will inevitably endure the precipitous fall into homelessness.
Without reliable statistics, the South African homeless population is estimated to be somewhere between 100 000 and 200 000 individuals. The actual figures are believed to be much higher due to the high mobility and transient nature of members of the homeless population.
Monday marked the 12th Annual World Homeless Day. Its main purpose is to draw attention to the needs of people experiencing homelessness and to get relevant stakeholders involved in discussions around ways to respond to this growing challenge.
Although this is a noble cause, it should be highlighted that the daily struggles many homeless individuals face are complex and can hardly be forced into a single day each year to be discussed and receive some attention.
Many people are of the opinion that being homeless is a choice, that all homeless individuals are mentally challenged, suffer from substance and alcohol abuse disorders and are inherently dangerous individuals who should be avoided at all costs and kept away from mainstream society.
Furthermore, the homeless are often forced to exist in social isolation, excluded from all basic social services and even denied their basic human rights.
Many homeless individuals also suffer from chronic health issues, most of which are treatable (such as diabetes and high blood pressure), and their lack of income is another critical challenge – roaming around, not sure where the next meal will come from.
Many are extremely vulnerable to repeated and multiple forms of victimisation. Men, women, the elderly and children of all ages, races and backgrounds are extremely vulnerable to all kinds of perpetrators, ranging from common robbery to assault, rape and even murder.
We live in a country that is governed by perhaps one of the most sophisticated and progressive pieces of legislation in the world, our Constitution. Enshrined in our Constitution is that the rights of all citizens should be afforded in every single aspect of our existence.
Yet, sadly, the homeless often fall short of this. In some cases, the status of homelessness is criminalised through the implementation of bylaws and indirect anti-homeless signage –prohibiting their entry to certain public spaces – further ostracising them.
This forces them to live in complete isolation and fear of the very system that is supposed to protect and serve their rights and needs. Besides not having access to basic shelter, many homeless individuals do not have the correct documentation to be assisted by these various support structures, and to get a new or temporary identity document, for example, is even more challenging, due to their lack of funds, or the unwillingness of Home Affairs officials to assist.
Shelters are virtually the only means of assistance, but their limited capacity does not allow them to help enough homeless people. The reduction of homelessness requires a concerted multisectoral approach in order to see any real results. There are a number of shelters that are supporting these individuals with food, clothing and ablution facilities.
Without regular funding and support from the government, this selfless operation cannot be considered sustainable and will soon cease to exist.
Members of the general public are urged to donate and try to support local shelters and soup kitchens.
With donations and help from volunteers, it becomes possible to provide warm meals, warm blankets, clothing and other necessities.
Pophaim and Olivier are lecturers in the Department of Criminology at the University of the Free State
Cape Times