Homeless people cast aside by state institutions and society

Homelessness as a complex social issue across the globe and South Africa is no exception. With the current dire socioeconomic state of our country, the growth of the homeless population is expected to continue on an upward trajectory.

Due to the lack of social support and the exponential growth of unemployment and poverty rates – many more will inevitably endure this precipitous fall into homelessness.

While there are no reliable statistics, the South African homeless population is estimated to be between 100 000 and 200 000. But the numbers are believed to be much higher due to the transient nature of homeless people.

Homelessness is often met with a lot of negativity, discrimination and stigmatisation. Many people believe being homeless is a choice; that all homeless people are mentally challenged, suffer from substance abuse and are dangerous individuals who should be kept away from mainstream society.

Many homeless people also suffer from chronic health issues, most of which are treatable, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

We live in a country that is governed by one of the most progressive constitutions in the world. Enshrined in our constitution is that the rights of all citizens should be afforded in every aspect of our existence. Yet, sadly, the homeless often do not enjoy those rights.

In some cases, homeless people are criminalised through the implementation of by-laws and indirect anti-homeless signage, further ostracising them. This forces them to live in complete isolation and fear of the very system intended to protect and serve their rights.

In addition to not having access to basic shelter, many homeless individuals do not have the correct documentation to be assisted by various support structures and often the unwillingness of home affairs officials to assist.

Furthermore, homeless people are, in most cases, afraid of the police – due to negative past experiences, whether these experiences involve acts of victimisation or an experience where they were not taken seriously.

Many homeless people are not able to access the most minimum standard of care from most healthcare institutions.

Street children are often excluded from the education system, which further exacerbates the problems associated with lack of education, lack of employment and the lack of the ability to earn an income in order to procure affordable, adequate and safe housing.

Shelters are virtually the only means of assistance, but their limited capacity does not allow them to assist enough homeless people.

The reduction of homelessness requires a concerted multi-sectoral approach to see any real results – which, unfortunately does not seem to be on the agenda of most institutions.