Johannesburg Maps Homelessness to Find Real Solutions

Johannesburg just took a huge step toward solving homelessness by doing something simple but powerful: counting and listening.

Last August, the city conducted its first point-in-time count, a single-night survey that mapped where homeless people live and why they're on the streets. The pilot project found 2,100 people experiencing homelessness across key areas, with Hillbrow showing the highest concentration at 364 people.

But the real breakthrough wasn't just the numbers. The count revealed that most are South African migrants from other provinces, mainly men, and most have been homeless for over a year.

"We need to start from the inside, working with the people and for the people," says Nyeleti Magadze, a lawyer and social justice activist who leads Jozi My Jozi's social work efforts. She emphasizes that homelessness isn't a crime and shouldn't be treated like one.

The data showed clear patterns. People cluster near transport hubs, commercial areas, and abandoned buildings, giving the city specific places to focus help.

Now the team is planning a summer count to compare with last year's winter data. Homeless people migrate with the seasons, and understanding these patterns will help create better support systems.

The Ripple Effect

This approach is already changing how Johannesburg thinks about homelessness. Instead of punitive policing, the city is building trust through Dignity Boutiques that offer haircuts, meals, clothing, and connections to services.

Magadze knows solutions need time and patience. She's pushing for safe spaces that provide showers, food, and skills training during the day, plus shelters for night, plus mental healthcare and rehabilitation programs.

The vision requires everyone working together. Private companies, nonprofits, and government agencies are aligning to create what Magadze calls "pathways out of homelessness" rather than just temporary fixes.

It's about honoring what's written in Section 26 of South Africa's Constitution: everyone's right to adequate housing. Magadze, who previously worked as a tour guide at Constitution Hill, calls this "the Constitution in action."

The ultimate goal is ambitious but clear: a Johannesburg where homelessness is rare, brief, and doesn't come back.