​The Gauteng Department of Social Development, Western Corridor, has officially opened a homeless shelter at Quegal Restoration and Refugee Centre in Krugersdorp, providing renewed hope and dignity to vulnerable residents.
The facility, once considered a hotspot, now offers accommodation for up to 120 beneficiaries. It forms part of a transitional programme that stabilises individuals before referring them to the main centre in Magaliesburg, where they can enrol in accredited skills programmes in agriculture and baking.

Speaking at the opening, MEC for Social Development, Faith Mazibuko, reiterated 
government’s commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens.

“As government, we recognise that you too have human rights, which are enshrined in our Constitution, affirming values of human dignity and equality. For those who need shelter, you now have a place to sleep, receive cooked meals, and take a shower. No one should violate your rights, but you must also use this opportunity to learn skills such as agriculture, plumbing, and electricity. Even our living God recognises those who seek to change their lives for the better.” Mogale City Executive Mayor, Councillor Lucky Sele, welcomed the initiative, highlighting its broader impact on the city.

“By helping those living on the streets, we are revitalising the city’s economy by making it safer and more accessible. Those who refuse the shelter are, however, in violation of the city’s by-laws.”

The event also heard from 41-year-old beneficiary Katleho Thoabala, originally from Sebokeng in the Southern Corridor, who shared his journey from loss and addiction to recovery.

“I lost my job, my marriage, and my younger brother. I turned to drugs to ease the pain, but by 2018, I had lost my family. I have now been clean for seven weeks through rehabilitation and have regained my sanity and confidence. My goal is to find employment. I have experience as a sales representative, in customer service, public speaking, and radio presenting.”

The opening of the shelter reflects the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in addressing homelessness, with contributions from municipalities, Non-Profit Organisations, and Faith Based institutions.

As part of its mandate to care for vulnerable groups, the Department works to place homeless individuals in temporary shelters while providing meals, substance abuse treatment, medical screening, counselling, and family reunification services.