GOOD Statement by Wesley Neumann,
GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor
05 December 2024
The term “rough sleepers” does not only dehumanize those experiencing homelessness but also exposes the City of Cape Town’s uncaring disposition to the weak and most vulnerable residents of the City.
It reflects a systemic failure by the City to address underlying issues and perpetuates stigmatization rather than fostering compassion, understanding, and finding meaningful solutions to address the City’s self-inflicted crisis for people in need of housing.
It’s clear that the City has failed to seriously engage the complexities of the situation and is merely reacting in a knee-jerk fashion to the visibility of homelessness in the CBD.
Their so-called “solution” is rooted in neglect and short-sightedness, as demonstrated by the report claiming 6,200 people are living on the streets, yet only 764 individuals are reportedly placed in so-called “safe spaces” that are nothing more than a band-aid solution to a systemic crisis.
The City has once again ignored the voices of those who are most affected by both the homeless and the organizations that have been working with them for years.
These safe spaces were not the City’s idea, but the initiative of the homeless themselves following engagements with them in 2015. The management of these spaces was never intended to be handed over to security companies with no understanding of the real needs of the homeless.
They were meant to be run by NGOs in partnership with the homeless, providing real, community-driven solutions to the crisis.
Worse still, the City dares to define what constitutes a “Domain” while simultaneously selling off viable land that could be used to directly address homelessness and the dire waiting lists for social housing.
The DA-led City’s callous indifference is evident when they refer chronic medication users to a Matrix clinic, without addressing the root causes or offering any real long-term support.
This is not a policy of care; it is a policy of containment, pushing people further into the margins. The City’s treatment of its most vulnerable citizens is a direct reflection that the DA-led City of Cape Town has abandoned its moral responsibility.
It is time for a shift in approach to one that recognizes the humanity of every person, treats the homeless with dignity, and works with, not against, the people who are most affected.
As Good we call for an urgent meeting, that includes NGOs and those living on the street, to discuss an alternative approach, one that offers a humane, sustainable solution to the homelessness crisis, not more empty rhetoric and failed policies.
Media Enquiries: media@forgood.org.za