The plight of homeless families has become increasingly dire in Zimbabwe, as economic turmoil and housing shortages have forced many citizens to live on the streets. The country’s struggles began with the exodus of white commercial farmers in 2000, leading to a series of economic challenges, including hyperinflation. The International Monetary Fund reported an estimated inflation rate of 172% in July of the previous year, exacerbating the living conditions for many Zimbabweans.
Gladys Mugabe, a 69-year-old woman, exemplifies the harsh reality faced by homeless families, residing with her disabled son in Harare Gardens, a popular park in the capital. Mugabe’s story is just one among a growing number of homeless individuals and families fighting for survival, often resorting to begging as their only source of sustenance.
The economic impact is staggering, with approximately two in five Zimbabweans living in extreme poverty, surviving on less than US$3.20 per day. Despite a projected decline in the poverty rate to 20% by 2043, an estimated 4.7 million Zimbabweans may still be grappling with extreme poverty on the current trajectory.
The visible presence of homeless individuals in public spaces has raised concerns among city residents. Vendors like Trynos Munzira in Harare lament the encroachment of homeless populations, citing safety fears and the unsanitary conditions they have introduced in recreational parks and streets. Nonhlanhla Mandundu, another resident, echoed these concerns, highlighting the health and hygiene issues arising from the lack of access to proper sanitation facilities.
Zimbabwe’s housing shortage, estimated at 1.25 million units, poses a significant challenge, leaving over 1.2 million citizens on the national housing waiting list. However, this list fails to account for everyone, as exemplified by 21-year-old David Paina, an orphan who sought refuge on the streets to escape abuse from foster parents.
Government officials, including the Minister of Local Government, July Moyo, have evaded addressing the challenges faced by the homeless, leaving vulnerable families to fend for themselves. Despite efforts by local authorities to remove homeless individuals from public spaces, they have struggled to provide long-term solutions, conceding that the issue requires the attention of the government’s Social Welfare Department.
Beyond the lack of adequate housing, human rights activists point to additional factors contributing to homelessness, including the struggle of ex-convicts to reintegrate into society. Peace Hungwe, founder of PeaceHub Zimbabwe, highlighted that homeless adults often include younger individuals and ex-convicts who face rejection from their families, compelling them to seek shelter in public spaces.
The ordeal of Gladys Mugabe serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of homelessness, as she recounts the loss of her belongings and a sense of identity. Her story and those of countless others underscore the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the growing crisis of homelessness in Zimbabwe.
As the nation grapples with this pervasive issue, the resilience and vulnerabilities of homeless families persist, demanding immediate attention and concerted efforts to provide sustainable solutions that uphold their dignity and well-being.
