Drakenstein Municipality is urging residents to support homeless individuals in the municipal area responsibly and safely by using PayPoint terminals, which have been introduced at selected businesses across Paarl.
The initiative forms part of the Municipality’s recently adopted Homelessness Policy and is linked to a broader network of accredited overnight shelters that provide food, care, and developmental support to homeless individuals.
At a recent meeting with Paarl schools and the South African Police Service (SAPS), partners in the homelessness support network noted that cash handouts on the streets are contributing to increased begging by both children and adults. They also reported incidents where children were robbed while begging, raising concerns about safety risks in public spaces.
Drakenstein Municipality says PayPoint terminals offer a safer alternative for public donations, allowing residents to contribute without giving cash directly to individuals on the street. The Municipality says this approach helps reduce dependency while ensuring that support is directed to structured services.
PayPoint terminals allow residents to make cash or card contributions that go directly to two accredited homeless shelters in Paarl. The shelters use the funds for meals, hygiene items, developmental programmes, support services, and operational costs.
According to the Municipality, the shelters are required to report to Drakenstein Municipality due to their use of municipal facilities and must also submit financial statements. The Western Cape Department of Social Development provides additional oversight to ensure transparency and accountability.
The PayPoint initiative forms part of the Municipality’s long-term strategy to reduce street begging, address the root causes of homelessness, provide structured pathways off the streets, and improve safety in public spaces for both adults and children.
Residents can currently access PayPoint terminals at several locations, including Kikka Bernina at 271 Main Road in Paarl, Roodeberg Pharmacy at 175 Main Road in Hoog-En-Droog, Brew Coffee Shop at 15 Jan van Riebeeck Drive in Denneburg, and ReSkin Aesthetics at Frater Square, 40A Main Road in Paarl.
The Municipality says more locations will be added, and business owners in the Paarl and Wellington CBDs who wish to host a PayPoint terminal at no cost are encouraged to contact the Department of Social Development.
