Street crisis deepens: the homeless in George

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GEORGE NEWS - Walking down Market Street on her way to interview a local business owner, journalist Michelle Pienaar was approached by a man asking for R10.

"Ek sal jou nie indoen nie, ek soek R10. Gee my R10," he said.

His tone was aggressive and his manner desperate. The encounter was unsettling - and for a moment, genuinely frightening.

People in the George CBD say harassment and intimidation have become an everyday reality, and business owners and members of the public increasingly have to stay alert.

"Many of these encounters involve homeless people or people living on the street. Cellphone robberies, break-ins at business premises, threats with knives and theft are things you always have to be on the lookout for," said Charl Pearson of Gobi Fitness in York Street.

Challenges in the CBD

His wife and business partner, Monique, recently sparked a broader conversation on Facebook when she listed several challenges CBD business owners face dealing with people living on the streets.

Her post struck a chord with others who say the issue is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore, particularly for businesses operating in the heart of George. "I come to work at 04:30, and first have to clean up the mess on our stoep outside the premises," said Charl. "Law enforcement is really great, but this is just a band aid, it is not the cure."

Monique and Charl Pearson of Gobi Fitness.

Jeneira Arries, shop manager at Gelmar, shared extensive CCTV footage showing homeless people sleeping in front of their business premises in York Street, some even setting up makeshift shelters.

She said the situation has been steadily deteriorating, and the problem has become increasingly difficult for businesses in the area to manage.

On a positive note

Teneal Sivalingam of The Yellow Kitchen & Coffee Café said she loves the vibe in George, having moved here some eight months ago. "We do have security monitoring during the day and night, but it does cause issues in our shop when homeless people come in asking for food or making clients and staff feel uncomfortable."

Teneal Sivalingam of The Yellow Kitchen & Coffee Café

Angelique Campher, supervisor at PNA York Street, offers a different perspective on the issue. "Our business owner, Mrs Erica Fourie, has a heart of gold. She asks us to make Carlos a cup of coffee when it is cold in the mornings. He sits in a wheelchair in front of the shop every day. Some customers even buy something in the shop so that they can spare some change for his tin," she said.

Linda Swanepoel of 2nd Hand Sam's and André Olivier in an alley off Market Street, leading to Shoprite. According to Swanepoel, the alley has become a potential danger zone, particularly for elderly people and women who, she says, are sometimes targeted for their cellphones and other belongings. Photo: Michelle Pienaar

A plan in motion

Linda Swanepoel, 25 years in business in George with 2nd Hand Sam's, is a newcomer to Homeless Conversations - an initiative by Cremhog (Christian Rehabilitation Ministries to the Homeless in George).

She is full of ideas and ready to tackle the matter barehanded. "I want businesses to come to the party and help. It is something everybody is affected by, and I am not going to let George become another Johannesburg,' said Swanepoel.

She and André Olivier of Cremhog are inviting businesses to join the second Homeless Conversation on Wednesday 2 September, building on the dialogue started at the first meeting in George on 20 July.

The session will focus on understanding homelessness in George, finding practical solutions and resources, and strengthening collaboration between key role players.

The conversation takes place at the Langgebou, George Mother Church, Church Street, from 09:00 to 12:30. RSVP by Friday 28 August to Olivier on 082 551 8900 or [email protected].

Q&A with George Municipality

In their feedback, George Municipality says they are aware of the challenges associated with people living on the streets, particularly in the central business district (CBD), and recognises the impact this can have on businesses, residents and visitors.

What role does Law Enforcement play in addressing the issue, and what are officers permitted to do?

Law Enforcement’s role in this regard is often misunderstood. Officers cannot simply remove people living on the streets from public areas or arrest them solely because they are homeless.

The enforcement of applicable by-laws is also challenging, as people living on the streets generally do not have a fixed address. This makes it difficult to issue by-law fines and achieve a successful enforcement outcome.

The Municipality’s Anti-Land Invasion Unit conducts regular hotspot patrols in identified areas where people are living on the streets. Law Enforcement also conducts patrols, including at night, in municipal areas where people are living on the streets. Community Safety receives and responds to daily complaints from members of the public.

What is the current status of the Forum for People Living on the Street, and are there plans to address the issue going forward?

The Forum for People Living on the Street currently meets on a quarterly basis. Two meetings have taken place to date, on 12 and 19 August 2026, with the next meeting scheduled for 11 November 2026.

The Municipality has also revived internal discussions around the challenge of homelessness in George.

Addressing homelessness requires a coordinated and sustainable approach involving a range of interventions, including social support services, access to shelters, substance-abuse interventions, employment opportunities, mental health support and partnerships with community organisations.

Many of these services fall outside the direct control of local government, making collaboration between the various role-players essential.

Is the situation getting worse, and are there more people living on the streets than in 2025?

According to Dr Kosie Haarhoff, Acting Director: Community Services, the number of people living on the streets in George has decreased compared to 2025, largely as a result of the ongoing efforts of Law Enforcement and the collaborative interventions of various stakeholders.

There are currently approximately 15 identified hotspots across George, with groups ranging from about three to 10 people at each location. In 2025, the number of people living on the streets was estimated at more than 200, compared to a current estimate of approximately 150 people in 2026.

The Municipality appreciates the continued support and commitment of its stakeholders and partner organisations in assisting to address the challenges faced by people living on the streets and in working towards improving their circumstances.