Danny hits the Bp-Kaap

WALKING in the rain is something most of us avoid. However, I had a destination to reach and waiting for the rain to stop was not an option… Bo-Kaap: I love the area. So to be able to find a room was extra special. New beginnings. The street I live in is constructed from stone, not tar. I live on the older side of the area. It has beautiful views as well. New sounds and smells. So much to take in. The beauty, history and culture. Not to forget the cuisine. Real Cape Malay specialities.

The Bo-Kaap has a history I am not familiar with. But there are still those who went through the forced evictions during the apartheid regime, so it’s a history lesson from those who lived it.

It is a Muslim community. One can see the mosque from where I live, in the distance.

Talking about Muslims, we have seen exceptional generosity towards the homeless people in Cape Town from them.

I have a deep-rooted love for the elderly who live in the Bo-Kaap. There was a time, not so long ago, when I was fed by them.

I wish that the narrow-minded people out there would educate themselves to what it means to be Muslim. Honestly, they’re missing out on the beautiful culture, history, and cuisine.

I want to take the time to thank Social Development, the CCID, the various shelters and the public supporting the homeless during the Winter Readiness Programme. This world-class city is filled with world class citizens! Your effort is appreciated.

We now have to fine-tune some security staff from Eden Security on how to handle the homeless. Acting like radical militants is not the way to go about it. Abusive conversation, swearing and physical force is not on. They’re breaking down what others build up: mutual respect, trust, and co-operation.

I recently received complaints from homeless people about the staff at a shelter in Green Point. Allegedly, there is a woman who treats them with disrespect. They arrive with a card paid for by a member of the public which can get them a meal, clothing and a shower (we’re not going to mention a bed for the night, because they are currently full). But, on arrival, this woman is short-tempered, rude and not welcoming.

Also, with the readiness programme, some shelters say they are full, but they are not. These beds are paid for, so they must be filled. And why, if the shelters are full, is it such a drama to provide the outside people with some food?

Donations are free. To give a sandwich is not going to kill them. I normally do not act on a complaint if it is an isolated case. But when more that three people come and talk to me about the same thing, I act.

I am aware one cannot please everyone all the time, but being rude is not on. What happened to “service with a smile”?