How to give responsibly

Within the City Bowl, you may encounter a number of street people who may approach you for money.

By supporting begging, you encourage destitute people to avoid social assistance and to choose a life on the street. While many are genuinely destitute and are looking for help, giving a hand-out perpetuates aggressive begging, substance abuse, the presence of children on the streets and chronic homelessness.

If you wish to support a street person, donate to a registered homeless shelter. The Western Cape Government keeps a database of registered homeless shelters. You can also contact the City’s toll-free number on 0800 872 201 to ask how to assist street people.