Homelessness is a complex socioeconomic issue that demands more than providing shelter

Abstract

The 2022 Census showed that there were 55,719 homeless people in South Africa at the time of counting. If we do not tackle the scourge of homelessness, our freedom is called into question.

In August, a fire ripped through a multi-storey building in the heart of Johannesburg. As the city grappled with the sheer devastation and the harrowing images, it emerged that the Albert Street building was mainly occupied by the homeless. This provided some insight into the crisis of homelessness in the city.

Professor Letlhokwa George Mpedi is the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg.

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