City of Cape Town Plans to Pump Money Out to Assist Homeless People, Budgeted R27 Million

• The City of Cape Town is increasing its budget for its initiatives to support homeless people by R4.5 million
• The city also plans on creating employment opportunities for more than 900 people in addition to providing shelter
• Homeless people will also be afforded the chance to get identification documents so they can apply for jobs or grants

CAPE TOWN - The City of Cape Town's Department of Social Development and Early Childhood Development said on Sunday that it will be budgeting just under R27 million on initiatives for homeless persons this fiscal year.

In the previous financial year, the city spent around R22.5 million on interventions for people living on the streets of Cape Town.

The increase in the budget is intended to support the department's initiatives in making a long-term change in the lives of persons living on the streets, according to the statement issued by the city.

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The city plans to spend the money on a winter readiness programme, support for shelters and ongoing awareness and education programmes, according to TimesLIVE.

The City of Cape Town also plans to create job opportunities for 934 homeless people with the assistance of shelter programmes.

The South African reports that the city also plans to ensure homeless people will have access to identification documents so that they can apply for employment. In addition, the city plans to help people living on the streets apply for welfare grants.

“Just election promises”: DA wants to turn golf course into housing, SA sceptical

Briefly News previously reported that DA party leader John Steenhuisen says he has tasked the City of Cape Town to set aside golf courses for mixed-use housing developments.

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Steenhuisen reportedly gave the thumbs-up but one local government expert believes the move is just a part of the bigger electioneering plan, eNCA reports.

Weighing in on the matter, peeps seem super sceptical about whether or not the developments will even take place. Many South Africans believe it's just the empty promises of yet another campaigning politician.

Check out some of the reactions below:

@EzeeT said:

"This is just classic election promises. But it's a golf course, this is the best use of that land anyway."

@LP54314615 said:

"And after the election, they will bring Rooi Miere for you."

@KG_RAP_AGMedia said:

"He just wants votes, this will be difficult to do. He has a better chance of turning parks into RDP housing areas. This is like EFF saying they will do the same in Sandton. These politicians are here for clout."

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@Willwhynot said:

"And the majority of the people who play golf would have voted DA will now not. And the people he is giving the land to will vote ANC anyway."

@brettherron said:

"If you believe this then you’ll believe anything. They won’t release derelict old quarry sites (Pickwick) or parking lots (New Market) alongside a railroad track for affordable housing but they’ve been instructed to release golf courses?"

Source: Briefly News