'We're tired of promises, give us jobs' homeless tell DA in Tshwane

22 June 2016 - 21:39 By S'duduzo Dludla

“Homelessness cannot be discussed in isolation‚ it should be discussed by including drug and substance abuse‚ single parenting‚ abuse and joblessness‚” councillor Elmarie Linde told a summit on tackling the number of street people in Tshwane. The departments of social development and housing needed to work together to tackle the problem‚ said Linde‚ a Democratic Alliance councillor. Answering a question of how they would address the issue of homelessness should they gain control of Tshwane in the upcoming municipal elections‚ Linde said: “The DA will facilitate and make‚ where possible‚ local government resources available for the rehabilitation of street people and their integration into society‚ with a view to reduce recurrent problems or habitual anti-social behaviour. The DA will ensure that street people and homeless people are consulted and empowered to play a role within this collective challenge”.But Simon Ndabe‚ speaking on the sidelines of the summit‚ said they as the homeless were tired of empty promises and food parcels.“The police come and take away our mattresses and blankets‚ but every five years they wants us to take our IDs to vote. We don't want empty words‚ we want jobs and opportunities‚” said Ndabe.Summit attendee Katlego Malatjie said: “Politicians can sweet talk you into anything when they want your votes. We are tired of the same old promise with nothing to show.”The event was the second Homelessness Summit held in Pretoria on Wednesday. The summit highlighted the plight of the homelessness and pushed for a 2014 policy on homelessness to be made effective...

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