The Stellenbosch, Give Responsibly campaign is a holistic and collaborative approach that is part of the municipality’s ultimate goal of reincorporating destitute people into society.
Stellenbosch Municipality communication manager, Stuart Grobbelaar, says that homelessness and destitute people begging is an issue they felt strongly about addressing.
Rather than simply giving money, the campaign encourages the purchasing of R10 coupons. In exchange for a coupon, homeless and destitute people are provided access to a night in the shelter, a plate of food, or a blanket. Since soft-launching in January 2019, the campaign has seen more than 800 coupons sold.
Stellenbosch, Give Responsibly campaign instructions. PHOTO: Twitter.
The coupons are available from various outlets in Stellenbosch. Members of the public can purchase a coupon at any of the participating retailers – including PostNet, KwikSpar (Neelsie) and the BP petrol station on Merriman Street, amongst others. You then write the name of the person for whom the coupon is intended on it, as well select the service you’d like to purchase. The recipient of the coupon then goes to the chosen organisation to trade-in the coupon
The coupon system was originally introduced by KruisKerk, says Ruben Scheepers, part-time teacher and community service leader of the church.
The municipality’s involvement started with a summit, initiated by Mayor Gesie van Deventer in August 2018. It is focused on encouraging residents, visitors and students to make responsible choices when giving to destitute people living on the streets of Stellenbosch.
Prior to the launch of the municipality’s campaign, Scheepers says that members of the public were slow to purchase coupons. “Then, it wasn’t as good as it is now,” he says. Several organisations had their own coupon systems previously, but in bringing these together, the municipality has created a more efficient and responsible way of helping those in need.
According to a press release sent out by the municipality, the collaboration includes Straatlig, a project aiming to create a safe haven for those living in poverty through various development programs, the Stellenbosch Night Shelter, who provides temporary overnight accommodation and Stellenbosch University.
Open 365 days a year, the Stellenbosch Night Shelter provides a roof and food to many. PHOTO: Stellenbosch Night Shelter.
A receiver of the coupons and regular at the night shelter (who wishes to remain anonymous due to security reasons), says that she usually obtains her coupons from church. “You have to attend Bible study and then you get a coupon for attending at Christ Church,” she says. She thinks that the coupon system works well as it is difficult to find a job in Stellenbosch and begging is not always successful.
However, Grobbelaar says that the municipality’s research has shown that simply giving money to beggars keeps people on the street because it is often financially rewarding for them. Grobbelaar says that many of the people begging on the streets of Stellenbosch are not necessarily homeless people. “Many of these individuals are not even necessarily from our municipal area and travel long distances to target specifically students and tourists. They would then return home with the money they have made and return the next day again,” he says.
According to Michelle Aalbers, manager of community development, planning and economic development at the municipality, this coupon system enhances self-reliance. “The person will have to walk to the service point. At the service points, they can access food, a blanket or overnight accommodation as well as social services and life skills training. In this way, the organisations aim to teach that we have to put in, in order to get out,” Aalbers adds.