Homelessness in Stellenbosch

By Daniëlle Gerber

As South Africa is declared the most unequal country in the world[i], the reflection in Stellenbosch is notable. Most prominent is the homeless community in Stellenbosch. A quick walk in the early morning will show many people sleeping on the lawn in Ryneveld Street, or in the doorways of closed shops. Homelessness is an epidemic worldwide and Stellenbosch is no exception.

March saw an uproar of opposition as the Stellenbosch Council released a by-law –people who are currently experiencing homelessness can now be fined up to R500 for sleeping on the streets[ii]. Stellenbosch Municipality spokesperson, Stuart Grobbelaar, states that this is an attempt to regulate ‘spaces that are safe, clean, hygienic, and conducive to economic activity’ for all Stellenbosch citizens.

This by-law was created in collaboration with Stellenbosch citizens and while original backlash framed this as ‘anti-homeless people’, Grobbelaar stated that the R500 fine is only to be issued because of crime. Additionally, this by-law is in collaboration with efforts to decrease the homeless rates in Stellenbosch. The Stellenbosch Night Shelter has been running since 1991 to help rehabilitate homeless people back into society[iii], yet the increase by 14 000[iv] homeless people since 2020 in the Cape Town area,makes any effort a lot more difficult.

Figure 1: All the locations where the Heartflow vouchers can be bought in Stellenbosch (source: Heartflow)
Figure 1: All the locations where the Heartflow vouchers can be bought in Stellenbosch (source: Heartflow)

The Heartflow project has partnered with the Stellenbosch Night Shelter to make the shelter more accessible. The project entails R10 vouchers bought at various local shops that people can give to homeless people. This can then be exchanged for a night’s stay at the shelter. Many people feel uncomfortable to give homeless people money, as they are afraid it will enable harmful behaviour. This is therefore a great solution.

A well-known consequence of poverty is an increased crime rate, which, in Stellenbosch, can be witnessed over the last three years[i]. Whether this is in direct relation to homelessness is uncertain, yet anybody travelling to Stellenbosch should take precaution to keep themselves safe. Here are a few tips for students especially:

  • On the back of any student card there is the Campus Security Emergency number. Use this number at any time to have a security guard escort you around campus
  • Attend the United Nations Association of South Africa (UNASA) self-defence classes
Figure 2: Free Self-defence class poster (source: @unasa_stellenbosch)
Figure 2: Free Self-defence class poster (source: @unasa_stellenbosch)
  • For the general population also, avoid travelling on foot at night. If you have to, make sure to travel in groups and choose well-lit and busy roads. Be sure to share a live location with a friend.

[1] Ed Stoddard. 2022. South Africa the world’s most unequal country – World Bank report [Online: Daily Maverick)

[1] Andrea de Lilly. 2022. Stellenbosch homeless now face fines for sleeping on the street [Online: Matie Media]

[1] Stellenbosch Night Shelter. n.d. Our vision [Online: Stellenbosch Night Shelter]

[1] Sandisiwe Shoba. 2021. The reality of living on the street in SA [Online: Daily Maverick] [1] Numbeo. 2022. Crime in Stellenbosch, South Africa [Online: Numbeo]