Homeless individuals in Cape Town are experiencing mixed feelings about moving into Safe Space shelters offered by the City, with some expressing fear about the future and others refusing to relocate.
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Over 150 people living at City-owned locations have accepted the offer of transitional shelter at Safe Spaces. This follows a Western Cape High Court ruling in June that mandated the eviction of people occupying sites like Buitengracht Street, FW de Klerk Boulevard, Foregate Square, Foreshore, Helen Suzman Boulevard, Strand Street, Foreshore/N1, Virginia Avenue, and Mill Street Bridge.
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The City reported that 26 individuals chose Culemborg Safe Space 2, while 127 opted for the newly constructed Ebenezer Safe Space, which has a capacity of 300 beds.
Many who agreed to move were those staying in front of the Customs House on Heerengracht Street. Themba Bangani (54) said he had no choice but to accept the offer. Chanè Lukas (36) moved to provide a better future for her 4-year-old daughter, stating, ‘I want to get her some education; she must go to crèche next year. I told her we were moving and she was looking forward to it.’
The Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa provided laminated notices to those considering relocation. Nkosinathi Sithole, a legal representative for the homeless, emphasised the need for a fair and transparent process.
Wisdom Nzvimbo (35) expressed concerns about losing his job if he moved to a shelter, explaining, ‘I do my work, I have a car wash. I have a lot of tools here, and I don’t think they will allow my stuff there. I’m not ready. I like this place because I used to smoke tik and mandrax, so I’m rehabilitating myself here.’
Safe Spaces will offer access to social workers, medical professionals, drug rehabilitation centers, and EPWP work opportunities. Assistance will be provided next week for those who choose to relocate.
By 12 August, any person still occupying a City-owned space will be removed. Sunay Leander (48) who lives beneath the FW de Klerk bridge, stated she would never move to a shelter again due to past negative experiences. ‘They treat those who come from homes better than us. They abuse people in shelters; if you are there you get more abused. The shelter puts you under pressure and that leads to more drug use. I’m better off here.’
Leander said she would relocate to another part of the CBD once evictions began.
Ndodana Hadebe, Chairperson of the Homeless Action Coalition, noted that homeless individuals would consider their income when deciding whether to accept the City’s offer.
‘Residents of safe spaces may still be able to work and earn an income, depending on their circumstances. If the safe space provides stability and security, it may allow individuals to save money that would otherwise be spent on basic needs like shelter and food,’ Hadebe said.
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