The most vulnerable feel the impact of chilly weather

JOHANNESBURG - The 2024 winter season certainly made its presence felt across the country this week.

From flooding and snow at the coast, to sub-zero temperatures inland in Gauteng, it was not a good time to be outside.

For the homeless, there is little choice in the matter.

READ: Cape of storms | Providing relief to those living on the streets

Long term exposure in plummeting temperatures could have fatal implications.

Russel Meiring, the Netcare 911 paramedic said, "Hypothermia is when your core body temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius and gets cold, now frost bite is a cold related injury where the fluids in your body stays freezing in your extremities… this can cause permanent damage if left untreated.”

"It’s very difficult especially for those less fortunate where they are unable to seek shelter during these cold fronts, so as I said, with no shelter their core body temperatures drop dramatically as they have no place to go and these cold related injuries affect them far more than others as they don’t have blankets, they don’t have sources of heating, as well as no proper sustenance”.

While shelters are available, not everyone has access to them.

At the Holy Trinity Clinic, dedicated medical student volunteers are confronted with the dire effects of the cold on the homeless community.

Shelters like MES Impilo, supported by the Gauteng Department of Social Development, are stretched to the limit.

They rely largely on donations from the public.

MES Impilo branch manager Nicodemus Setshedi said, "If they can provide a bed. Currently what we do, we are seeing a bed is R20 but because we are giving them breakfast and supper if they can also sponsor a bed R40 per night so that will help some of those that cannot afford. They can also assist us with providing more blankets because when we open our emergency shelter we need more blankets for the beneficiaries.”

For many the shelter is literally a lifesaver, and 20-year-old Thabisile Zulu shared her relief as she has a warm place to stay.

The director of the centre for faith and community about community initiatives and long term-solutions, Professor Stephan De Beer discussed long-term options.

Amid South Africa’s relentless cold fronts, the plight of the homeless stands stark and urgent.

From improvised heating on icy streets to the pivotal role of shelters like MES Impilo, community action is pivotal. 

This moment underscores the critical need for solidarity and immediate support, ensuring every individual’s right to warmth and dignity during this challenging period.

This report was compiled by Gabrielle Matthew.