More compassion for the homeless needed

CIVIL rights champion Father Ted compares leadership without a vision to “blowing an uncertain trumpet”.

The recent pre-written forms by the City of Cape Town (CoCT) to solicitate complaints about the homeless show the city trumpet is badly out of tune. As is the orchestra of the other two government spheres, that equally fail in taking responsibility of homelessness.

The Municipal Systems Act compels cities to act in the interests of all, not just a privileged few. The complaint form suggests the City is bowing to pressure by homeowners and businesses feeling threatened by growing homeless encampments.

For too many Capetonians the homeless remain a “problem” to be removed from view, showing a painful insensitivity to high unemployment, inadequate social services and broken down families. There is something deeply disturbing about believing that the homeless are responsible for their fate. A loss of connection, compassion, kinship.

CoCT does spend a lot on homelessness. Can we, however, be proud as JP Smith says of “what has been achieved”? The number of homeless has tripled from 12 000; most are now in a chronic state with severe addiction and mental health issues. Government policy built on temporary shelters and transport home is bound to fail when the person has nowhere to go. Law enforcement and street cleaners are left to clean up the mess.

We are reminded that we are all equal in front of the law. In Anatole France’s words: “The law, in its majestic equality, forbids rich and poor alike to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal loaves of bread.” May we find more wisdom and compassion in Cape Town.

| Strategic partnerships manager, Khulisa Social Solutions Streetscapes project