Gauteng social development MEC rejects claims that mobile showers an election gimmick

JOHANNESBURG - Gauteng Social Development MEC Mbali Hlophe said that a new shower project was part of their broader efforts to assist the homeless community and they rejected the suggestion that it was nothing more than politicking ahead of the upcoming elections.

The project is aimed at providing the homeless with mobile showers, which will be located at hotspots they’re known to frequent.

It has faced criticism, including from members of the public, who believe government has its priorities wrong.

But Hlophe said this project was not an isolated initiative.

"These become our catchment areas that we’re creating within these facilities, so we are able to attract them to our services because when they come through, whether it's for a warm meal and now for the warm shower, our social workers are on site and they are able then to assist them."

She has denied that the project is an electioneering gimmick.

"At the heart of it is truly just to provide services to the homeless, it is a benefit that we have identified."