Homelessness is at crisis levels in many South African cities. To turn this around, we must not only address the causes of homelessness, but also understand how homelessness affects the wellbeing of the rest of society, residents and non-residents alike.
Numerous studies have shown that housing and meaningful employment are the two most important factors in ending homelessness. We need to create permanent, sustainable solutions that work for the individual and the city.
In Episode 6 of the Cornerstone Critical Dialogues, host Ryan Fortune will speak to Jean Knighton-Fitt, the director of U-Turn, a charity that helps people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless by providing them with safe, stable accommodation and support from a network of support workers and caseworkers who set practical goals to improve their quality of life.
Joining them in the studio will be Malixole Sikhungo, a U-Turn graduate and lawyer, and Leo Mapira, a full-time lecturer at Cornerstone’s Department for Sociology and Community Development.
Listen to the show on Bush Radio 89.5FM at 7pm this coming Thursday evening, watch a livestream on Cornerstone’s Facebook page or Youtube channel, or listen to the podcast on Anchor, Spotify, Deezer or Google Podcasts.
An edited version of the programme is also available for viewing on Cape Town TV at 1pm the following Tuesday (16 November), and repeated at 10pm the following Thursday (18 November).