By Neelam Rahim

South Africa’s first “wash bus” for the homeless is set to launch on Friday. Named Nina Manzi, the colourful bus has four hot water showers and four toilets divided for male and female use. There is a 15-minute limit per person, and users are given soap, a towel, a face cloth and skin cream.

Radio Islam International is joined in discussion by Nina Manzi’s Project Manager, Sisanda Henda.

According to Sisanda, the project originated from the increase in homeless people over recent years. The research was conducted to assess the challenges faced by the homeless people daily, and the top challenge was no access to clean water and not been able to practice basic hygiene.

“It came about from a need of homeless people.”

Regarding the role players who put it all together, Sisanda said it was an organization named Viva Con Agua, all about increasing access to clean water and basic hygiene through various projects. It is done for vulnerable populations as well as under-resourced communities.

The project collaborates with U-Turn to get homeless people off the streets. They also run projects and programs that empower homeless people to integrate into society. We also collaborated with a third organization called Baz-Art, which was instrumental on the creative side. Sisanda added that the wash bus has beautiful creations, a collaboration of artists that Baz-Art put together.

The wash bus is used as an incentive to encourage homeless people to get off the street. The bus will be accessed through a voucher they would earn once they participate in the U-Turn programs.

The program consists of activities which include primary admin, assistance in running the kitchen or assisting various community projects around the area, which earns them a voucher and how they would access the Nina Manzi.

According to Sisanda, this is to instil ‘you have to work for what you get and stop any entitlement.

Another way to access it is through the public. Sisanda tells Radio Islam that the public can purchase the Mi-change voucher and give it to a homeless person instead of money which can then be taken to U-Turn.

“The hope is they will be encouraged to start a journey back to society when they get to U-Turn.”

The voucher is worth R12, but U-Turn will take no money from homeless people. The requirements of homeless people include their time and commitment to better their lives.

Listen to the interview on Radio Isam’s podcast below.