The South African Human Rights Commission will be meeting with Mayor Dan Plato soon to iron out some issues at the Strandfontein Sports Field where approximately 1500 homeless people are being housed during the Coronavirus lockdown.
Reverend Chris Nissen visited the site on Thursday afternoon after rumours emerged that a second person had passed away.
But the City of Cape Town confirmed that only one person has died at the camp, due to natural causes.
Nissen admits conditions at the site are in the “teething stage”.
“(But) even if this place is not perfect, it is the best place for them to be and we must address the issues,” he said.
He told members of the media outside the camp along Spine Road that people sleep on the ground on mattresses, but only some have plastic sheeting in between.
CONCERNED: Rev. Chris Nissen visited the site
He will also be engaging with Plato about the R1500 fine that was issued last week to a homeless man for “threatening” behaviour inside the camp.
“If you are homeless and do not have a job, fining a person is not acceptable,” said Nissen.
The City said so far no-one has tested positive for Covid-19, although several suspected cases have been sent for testing.
Nissen also revealed that a panel of doctors will be compiling a report and their findings will be released at a later stage.
He added that social distancing was a concern: “I went from tent to tent and engaged with them about the issues. Some say they are happy and some say they miss their family.
IRON OUT ISSUES: Dan Plato
“I am worried about the social distancing in the tents. I am worried about the fact that they don’t have masks.
“People came here with partners and they want to be
together.”
Other issues of concern were food and hygiene: “Some of the toilets are far from the tent and we want to have them bring it closer for women.”
genevieve.serra@inl.co.za