Page Content
The Department of Social Development in the City of Johannesburg has become the custodian of the displaced persons programme. The MMC for Health and Social Development, Councillor Ashley Sauls I, has placed specific emphasis on taking care of the City’s most vulnerable.
Sadly, the City has recently been affected by a significant increase in street dwellers and displaced persons. One of the biggest contributing factors in the rise of displaced people is the influx of undocumented foreigners, bringing with it an increase in crime, substance abuse and depreciating property values in the areas surrounding those heavily affected by the increase in displaced people.
Unfortunately, the Department of Social Development and the Displaced Persons Unit have been unreasonably expected to forcefully remove people from various hotspots. Such acts fall well outside the competence and mandate of the department.
The department is limited in terms of the support gathered from various parties. As a result, the Department of Social Development is working closely with a number of the City’s stakeholders to ensure that we are able to effectively circumvent these limitations.
The City has allocated various resources on family reunification, drug rehabilitation and skills development. The department is eager to continue this process of assisting our displaced persons and will look to execute all of its projects efficiently to have as great an impact as we possibly can.
ENDS
For media queries, please contact:
Ewan Botha
Deputy Director: Communications and Stakeholder Management
In the Office of the MMC for Health and Social Development
083 664 0805
04/07/2022
