City of Cape Town blasted for plan to ‘fine homeless people without shelter’
The City of Cape Town’s uncomfortable relationship with the homeless population appears to have worsened this week, after officials confirmed that new by-laws would fine people living on the streets ‘if they have refused an offer of shelter’.
City of Cape Town ‘to fine homeless’ who refuse shelter
The proposals have upset a number of civilians and politicians alike. According to the legislation, anyone found sleeping in a public place will be issued with a compliance notice. If they are choosing to sleep rough, when an offer to spend the night in a designated shelter has been made, homeless people will then be slapped with a fine.
Mzwakhe Nqavashe has confirmed the major details of the policy, hailing it as a step in the right direction.
“Homeless people will be fined if they refuse a ‘reasonable offer of alternative shelter’. A person found sleeping in a public place without authority will first be issued with a compliance notice. Such a person only commits an offence if they refuse a reasonable offer of alternative shelter.” | City of Cape Town Chairperson Mzwakhe Nqavashe
How many homeless people are in Cape Town?
However, it goes without saying that the DA-run City of Cape Town is under fire for this move. Mark Rountree, the National Policy Officer for the Good Party, has lambasted officials for failing to grasp how limited shelter space in the Mother City really is. According to him, there are almost five times more homeless citizens than there are available beds:
“There are an estimated 14 000 homeless and less than 3 000 shelter spaces in Cape Town. There are not enough spaces for the MAJORITY of homeless – they are short of 11 000 shelter spaces. Many homeless are so afraid of theft and victimisation, they are sleeping right outside SAPS station in Sea Point.”
The DA, however, has hit back – and they have taken to social media to advertise ‘available shelter space’ this week:
If you see or know anyone that may be homeless please share with them that there are 100 clean and warm beds available in City of Cape Town shelters tonight.
— DA Western Cape (@WesternCapeDA) September 3, 2021
Call 0800872201 for assistance. pic.twitter.com/OEG0FE70wX
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