Social Development
Question by:
Hon Wendy Kaizer-Philander
Answered by:
Hon Jaco Londt
Question Number:
37
Question Body:
(a) How many shelters and temporary safe spaces were utilised by his Department during the recent severe weather conditions in the province, (b) where were these shelters located, (c) how many individuals were accommodated, (d) what support services were provided at these shelters during the severe weather conditions and (e) what was the total cost incurred by his Department for shelters and emergency relief during the recent severe weather conditions?
Answer Body:
- During the recent severe weather conditions, the Department utilised its network of 35 funded shelters for homeless adults. This excludes a number of other sites used including community halls, church halls, sports facilities, early childhood development (ECD) centres, and even farm sheds.
- The shelters are located in the Metro and all other municipal districts of the province.
- A total of 2 610 subsidised shelter beds, funded through the Department's partnership with non-profit organisations, were utilised at full capacity, with shelters accommodating an additional 140 individuals beyond their funded capacity.
- Shelter beneficiaries received a range of support services, including safe shelter accommodation, beds and bedding, blankets, clothing and footwear, social work and health services, transport assistance to healthcare facilities, access to hot water, shower and sanitation facilities, as well as food supplies and toiletries. In other temporary shelters sites, cooked food, blankets and sanitary products were provided.
- For the 2026/27 financial year, the Department has allocated R36 835 251 to the funding of shelters, and no additional emergency relief funding for shelters was incurred during the recent severe weather period. The total cost incurred for humanitarian relief assistance by DSD supported humanitarian relief NPOs (by 22 May 2026) was R2 964 369.
Date:
Friday, May 22, 2026
