Freezing Conditions in Joburg: Homeless Plead for Urgent Assistance

As Gauteng braces for another harsh winter, Johannesburg’s homeless community is facing an urgent humanitarian crisis. A powerful cold front has swept in from the west, and with temperatures dropping below freezing, people living on the streets are pleading for warmth, safety, and support.

ALSO READ: Today’s Weather Alert: Snow Forecasted for Gauteng Next Week

Freezing Nights and Makeshift Survival

The South African Weather Service has confirmed a major cold front, with localized snowfall expected in some parts of the country. In Johannesburg, the drop in temperature has left hundreds of homeless individuals exposed to harsh conditions, forced to find creative yet dangerous ways to stay warm.

Some, like car guard Abraham Kgapola in Braamfontein, rely on plastic sheets layered over thin blankets to survive the night. “You will sweat, but at least you’ll live,” he explained. However, others warn that sleeping under plastic poses a serious risk of suffocation.

Shelters across the city offer limited relief. While they provide some protection, resources are stretched thin, with many people only receiving minimal bedding. The quality of the blankets described by some as “prison-like” is still preferable to braving the cold outside.

Emergency Services on High Alert

The City of Johannesburg has activated its Disaster Management Team, working alongside Joburg Emergency Services (EMS) to monitor and respond to any life-threatening emergencies. EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi stated that all seven regions of the city are under observation during this extreme weather event.

Residents have been urged to call the city’s emergency hotline if they witness any crisis situations, particularly involving vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, or the homeless.

Fire Hazards and Heating Safety

While seeking warmth is natural, residents especially those in informal settlements have been warned to exercise extreme caution when using heating devices. Open flames, paraffin stoves, and imbawula (coal stoves) are major fire hazards if left unattended.

Robert Mulaudzi emphasized the importance of safe heating practices to prevent tragic fires and fatalities. In recent winters, Johannesburg has seen multiple fire incidents linked to unsafe heating methods, especially in densely populated areas.

NGOs Step In: Gift of the Givers Responds

Humanitarian organization Gift of the Givers has pledged support during this emergency. Project manager Ali Sablay noted an increasing number of homeless people requiring aid and confirmed that the organization is on standby to assist the city’s disaster response teams.

Sablay also highlighted the need for more shelter space across the country, particularly in provinces like the Western and Eastern Cape, where infrastructure is better prepared to accommodate those in need.

How You Can Help

As the cold front continues into the week, Johannesburg residents are encouraged to take action and support their community. Here’s how:

• Donate blankets, warm clothing, and non-perishable food to local shelters or drop-off points supported by NGOs.
• Volunteer your time at shelters or soup kitchens offering refuge during cold nights.
• Share emergency numbers and shelter locations on social media to raise awareness.
• Report emergencies to Joburg EMS or Disaster Management when you see someone at risk.

A Call for Compassion

The cold front is more than just a weather update it’s a crisis for the city’s most vulnerable. As winter deepens, many South Africans are reminded that a warm bed is a luxury not everyone enjoys.

By working together, donating what we can, and raising awareness, we can help bring warmth and hope to those who need it most.