Elections ‘24: Half of homeless citizens don’t have IDs
The National Homeless Network says half of the country’s homeless don't have identity documents.
The organisation's Simphiwe Khoza told a panel of political party representatives in Durban that the right to vote is not accessible to many living on the streets.
"We call on all parties to acknowledge the importance of speedily providing IDs to all South Africans, regardless of their economic or social status. Commit to waiving the replacement fee for any person looking for a replacement ID for the first time.
"Deploy mobile ID facilities of the Department of Home Affairs to target hotspots where homeless people gather in order to expedite provisions of IDs. Work closely with homeless support organisations to identify individuals who lack IDs."
Khoza was part of a political dialogue on Thursday morning hosted by the Denis Hurley Centre.
READ: Voters must pay close attention to election promises – analyst
It was an opportunity for the homeless to bring their plight directly to political parties and find out the various election candidates' plans to help this vulnerable community.
Representatives from IFP, DA, EFF and MK Party attended the meeting in the Durban CBD.
The Denis Hurley Centre said it's been assisting about six thousand people to get registered as voters, ahead of next month's polls.
The centre provides crucial support for homeless people, feeding hundreds each week, offering them showers and clean clothes, and access to a clinic.
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