New data from StatsSA highlights a dramatic increase in homelessness, with Gauteng emerging as the epicentre of the crisis.
Homelessness in South Africa: The latest Profile of Homeless Persons StatsSA report, based on the 2022 Census, has revealed a staggering 400% increase in homelessness over the past decade. The report details the geographic concentration of homelessness, self-identified reasons for destitution, and key demographic insights.
Homelessness by the Numbers
According to StatsSA, the number of homeless people in South Africa surged from 13,135 in 2011 to 55,719 in 2022. This means that while 0.3% of South Africans were homeless in 2011, that figure has since tripled to 0.9% of the total population.
Despite homelessness accounting for less than 1% of South Africa’s population, StatsSA warns that the issue has become widespread, affecting a growing number of people over the last three decades.
“It is paramount that attention is given to policies and targeted interventions to mitigate the impact of the rising trend in homelessness,” stated StatsSA.
Gauteng: The Epicentre of the Crisis
The report found that Gauteng is the province with the highest concentration of homelessness, accounting for 45.6% of all homeless people in the country. Tshwane (18%), Johannesburg (15%), and Cape Town (11%) are the metro areas with the largest homeless populations.
Gauteng residents are more likely to remain in the province after experiencing hardship, with 94% of the homeless population being born there. By contrast, in the Western Cape, only 63% of the homeless were originally from the province.
The StatsSA report also highlights that 7% of the homeless population in South Africa consists of foreign nationals, mainly from Lesotho (34%) and Zimbabwe (31%).
Who Are the Homeless?
StatsSA found that homelessness disproportionately affects men, with 70% of the homeless population being male, up from 60% in 2011. Men aged 30-34 form the largest age group among the homeless.
Key statistics from the report:
- 84.5% of all homeless adults never married.
- The average age of homeless men is mid-30s, while women in shelters average 44 years old.
- 49% of homeless people did not finish high school, and 30% did not study beyond primary school.
Causes of Homelessness
The leading cause of homelessness was lack of income, with 66.1% of respondents citing an inability to afford accommodation due to joblessness. Other contributing factors include:
- Substance abuse: 11.7% admitted drug and alcohol problems led to their homelessness.
- Family disputes: 8% cited arguments with family or friends as the cause.
- Domestic violence, divorce, or separation: 3.2% reported these reasons.
The Need for Urgent Action
With homelessness rising dramatically in South Africa, policy interventions and social programs are urgently needed. Addressing education gaps, employment opportunities, and housing shortages will be crucial in reversing this trend.
Also read: Stats SA Says South Africa’s Inflation Holds Steady at 3% Despite Rising Fuel Costs
