The scourge of vagrancy and homelessness in Gordon’s Bay was once again thrust into the spotlight last Wednesday (11 September) during a “Give Dignity Campaign”, the subject of an engagement session with the community.
It was attended by various stakeholders representing the City of Cape Town departments, community organisations, private entities, non-governmental organisations, police, Gordon’s Bay Community Policing Forum, Law Enforcement and individuals.
Frustrations over ongoing challenges of vagrancy were expressed, particularly at the Post Office Building on Beach Road and adjacent to the police station, where camps have been set up by the homeless.
“What are we doing about this problem?” one of the residents asked City officials. “Why are we only having meetings, but no action is being taken.”
Another resident pointed out that it was the community hand-outs that kept homeless people in the area, and the issue was educating the community about their actions, which have consequences.
But the answers were less straightforward as Law Enforcement Inspector, Mark Talmarkes of the Displaced Person Unit (DPU), explained the legal implications of forceful removal. “There’s a process we have to follow, guided by legislation. We conduct regular search operations, clearing up and engagements, and we can assure you that we are constantly working towards viable solutions.”
Shereen Schroeder, a reintegration officer with the City, also provided an overview of the social services they provide to assist the homeless in getting off the streets.
“Not everyone on the streets is homeless, some are day strollers and some are drug dealers. We have made progress in several areas, sifting out who really needs help and has successfully been reintegrated into society. We are working in Gordon’s Bay as well, but we want to highlight that this is not a quick fix but a process, and we urge unity between all organisations to reach out goal.”
Various other inputs and explanations were provided, including an idea to create a safe space away from the public eye where social services can interact and assist the homeless. This idea was welcomed and several individuals committed to a follow-up meeting where this will be discussed and hopefully made to happen.
