Drakenstein Municipality is calling on residents to support homeless individuals through PayPoint terminals at Paarl businesses, rather than giving cash on the streets.
The initiative, announced on the municipality’s Facebook page, forms part of the recently adopted Homelessness Policy and aims to strengthen the local network of accredited overnight shelters providing food, care and developmental support.
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According to the municipality, cash handouts on streets are contributing to increased begging by both children and adults. At a recent meeting with Paarl schools and the South African Police Service, network partners confirmed there have been incidents where children were robbed whilst begging, placing them at significant risk.
The PayPoint terminals offer a safer alternative by ensuring support reaches accredited shelters rather than individuals on the streets, which the municipality says helps reduce dependency and improve safety.
Residents can make cash or card contributions at participating businesses, with funds going directly to two accredited homeless shelters in Paarl. The shelters use donations for meals, hygiene items, developmental and support programmes, and operational needs.
Both shelters report to Drakenstein Municipality as they use municipal facilities and submit financial statements. The Western Cape Department of Social Development also monitors them, ensuring transparency and responsible use of public contributions.
The initiative is part of a longer-term strategy to reduce street begging, address root causes of homelessness, provide structured pathways off the streets, and build safer public spaces.
PayPoint terminals are currently available at:
- Kikka Bernina, 271 Main Road, Paarl
- Roodeberg Pharmacy, 175 Main Road, Hoog-En-Droog, Paarl
- Hi Brew! Coffee Shop, 15 Jan van Riebeeck Drive, Denneburg, Paarl (River Valley Church)
- ReSkin Aesthetics, Shop 7, Frater Square, 40A Main Road, Paarl
- Spin Café, Van der Lingen Square, New Street, Lemoenkloof, Paarl
More sites will be added. Business owners in the Paarl and Wellington central business districts willing to host a terminal at no cost can contact Geduld Veldsman, senior social development officer at Drakenstein Municipality, on 021 807 4582.
