After criticism, Gauteng Social Development MEC postpones launch of mobile showers for homelesss
Following rife criticism over the launch of a homeless mobile wash service, Gauteng MEC for Social Development Mbali Hlophe has now postponed the event, which was set for Wednesday.
Gauteng MEC for Social Development Mbali Hlophe. Picture: @OfficialGDARD/X
JOHANNESBURG - Following rife criticism over the launch of a homeless mobile wash service, Gauteng MEC for Social Development Mbali Hlophe has now postponed the event, which was set for Wednesday.
The operation would have functioned under the title "Nasi iShower", borrowing its name from the Nasi iSpani programme, which is a Gauteng youth job recruitment drive by Premier Panyaza Lesufi.
From Nasi iShower to Nasi iSpani, the Gauteng government is rolling out solution-driven campaigns that don’t necessarily land well with some residents.
While the Nasi iSpani programme has come under fire from political parties, residents and job seekers, suggesting that the initiative is aimed at improving the African National Congress (ANC)'s favour with the people of Gauteng.
Mirroring her boss’ move, MEC Hlophe has come up with a way to provide a temporary solution to the lack of basic hygiene for the thousands of homeless people in the province.
However, after some criticism, Hlophe’s department quickly backtracked, postponing its campaign.