GOOD statement by Shaun August
GOOD: National Organiser and Member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament
08 August 2022
Note: This statement was made by GOOD’s National Organiser and Member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, Shaun August, to raise awareness on homelessness and the urgent need for cooperative government intervention.
Honourable Speaker
Homelessness is a becoming a grave challenge both in the City of Cape Town and in municipalities across the Western Cape. I have spoken about this before and will continue to speak about it until this government and the Department of Social Development musters the political will to find workable solutions to address this spiraling challenge.
About 200 000 South Africans sleep on the street, of that, about 4 682 in the greater Cape Area, although later research suggests this number to be more than 14 000 and approximately, 700 in the Central Business District (CBD).
Homeless people are being referred to as unsavory’s, criminals, space-takers and often treated with great disgust and subjected to inhumane treatment.
Speaker
I have one question for the people of this Province, is the Western Cape government and more specifically, the Department of Social Development, under the leadership of MEC Fernandez, doing enough for you to find a permanent solution for homelessness?
The Cape Town mayor was recently alarmed at the upsurge of homelessness and has called for the City to respond, first and foremost, in a way as human beings helping human beings.
How hypocritical when the same DA criminalises homelessness and poverty?
There is no separation between government and homeless people.
They are citizens in need of your help. Do something about it.
I am calling on greater cooperation between the Provincial and Local spheres of government for decent, humane shelter, feeding schemes, rehabilitation centres, and proper, functional services.
Media Enquiries:
Shaun August, GOOD: National Organiser & Member of Western Cape Provincial Parliament
Cell: 074 746 7378
Email: shauna@forgood.org.za
Janke Tolmay, GOOD: Media Manager
Cell: 0733671223
Email: janke@forgood.org.za