The sudden death of a well-known local homeless man has once again shone the spotlight on the need for a homeless shelter in Vredenburg.
Kyle Dodd (32) died on Sunday 12 March. This touched many residents. He had been living on the streets of Vredenburg for three years.
Kyle was often seen on his regular spot at the traffic lights on the corner of Hospital and Saldanha Street in Vredenburg.
Sammy Springleer, executive chairperson of the Vredenburg Business Forum, said he had noticed Kyle lying on the ground as if he was resting on Saturday 11 March and found it strange that his shirt was half-removed and he was lying in the hot sun.
This bothered Springleer and he returned on Sunday morning looking for him. “I enquired from the street children about his whereabouts,” he said, “and was informed he had been taken away by an ambulance. I later went to enquire about his condition and was informed he had passed away.”
Harry Lu, honorary chairperson of the Vredenburg Business Forum, said Kyle’s death had shocked him. “Kyle had the most beautiful smile and kindest heart.
“The last time I saw him was on Friday 24 February outside Shoprite’s parking area enjoying an ice cream. I gave him lunch and promised to spend more time talking to him next time.”
Glenda Dodd said with her son gone, a whole presence is now missing. She explained he had been a friendly young man and helpful, especially when it came to the elderly.
“It is very difficult dealing with his death, but I will always remember the good times.” Many other residents have shared their heartfelt condolences and will always remember the beautiful and kind soul Dodd had.
Springleer said it is so easy to look at the person and just think of them as a homeless individual.
“Sometimes we become so insensitive and do not feel anything for them and their needs. He had a mother who feels the same pain and cried the same as any mother at the loss of her son, in spite of what he had become.”
The community also once again stressed the urgency of the need for a homeless shelter in Vredenburg. This has been an ongoing discussion for years with no success to date.
Lu hopes this will be the last time a homeless person dies in this manner. “We have to put pressure on local government to do something. Wake up and take this seriously.”
Springleer adds that the community’s voices need to be heard.
“Authorities, the Department of Social Development and religious organisations should join forces and do something,” he said. The cause of Kyle’s death has not yet been confirmed. Springleer also requests that people steer clear of rumours.
