Abstract
M.A. (Community Development)
The issue of homelessness has grown significantly in major South African cities. Various factors, including cultural, social, material, human, and economic issues contribute to people becoming homeless.
This study focuses on the issue of homelessness in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality in Gauteng, South Africa. The study was undertaken to understand social workers’ views on homelessness in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, as well as their responses to the issue. The study was conducted in all six regions of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality.
The researcher used a qualitative research approach to describe the phenomenon of homelessness in order to bring understanding that is focused on meanings that were less complex, rich and more descriptive. Qualitative research method was used to identify participants for the study. Purposive sampling procedures where employed to identify social workers who work with homeless people within the identified regions of the municipality. A total of 11 participants participated in the study. Data was gathered using a semi-structured interview. Gathered information was analysed manually, refined and clarified. The Tesch’s eight steps of data analyses were used to break down data from specific to general in order to bring out hidden meanings and arrive at key findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
From this study, it has emerged that the issue of homelessness is growing across the regions of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. It is caused by cultural, social, human, economic, and material factors.
This study found that several elements, including determinants of where homeless people live, used and unused resources, contributing factors to homelessness, services rendered to homeless people by social workers, common definitions of homelessness, homeless policies, and the homeless unit all contribute to the issue of homelessness.
This study has provided a better understanding of the complexity of homeless phenomenon. From these findings, conclusions and recommendations have been drawn to inform how social workers might render improved services to the homeless.