Chantelle Bongubukhosi Ncube
It was a typical day in Bulawayo’s Central Business District (CBD), where the hum of traffic mingled with the bustle of vendors and pedestrians. Amid this scene, one act of kindness stood out: a well-dressed man handed a 5 Rand coin to a disheveled woman sitting by a corner, her clothes tattered and hair unkempt.
The woman, one of the many people wandering the streets of this great Royal City, commonly referred to as uhlanya—a local term for people who are destitute, homeless or suffering from mental illness—thanked him silently. But as the man walked away, one could not help but wonder: how far can 5 Rand go in alleviating the plight of the thousands like her who roam the streets of Bulawayo?
A Growing Crisis
Bulawayo has seen a visible rise in homelessness and mental illness in recent years, an issue that city authorities have struggled to address. The people colloquially referred to as inhlanya often suffer from untreated mental health conditions, exacerbated by economic hardship, lack of family support, and a faltering public health system.
According to a study by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Zimbabwe has seen a significant increase in homelessness, with Bulawayo contributing a large proportion to the national statistics. In 2022 alone, the ministry estimated over 3,500 people living on the streets of Bulawayo, a number that continues to rise due to economic instability, job losses, and mental health neglect.
There also has been an influx of young children especially boys known as “street kids, who have joined the many homeless people on the lengths and breadths of the City of Kings and Queens’ streets and Avenues.
The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) also reports that the mental health burden in the country is significant. A 2021 survey showed that over 15% of Zimbabweans are affected by mental health disorders, many of whom receive no formal treatment due to a lack of resources. Bulawayo’s public health system, already strained by underfunding, has been unable to keep up with the growing demand for mental health services, leaving the city’s vulnerable population to fend for themselves.
The majority of Bulawayo’s homeless population not only face extreme poverty but also grapple with severe mental health conditions like schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorders.
Without access to medical care, these conditions are often left untreated, leading to worsening symptoms that drive them further into the streets. Studies from the University of Zimbabwe highlight how poverty and mental illness are interlinked, creating a vicious cycle where untreated mental illness leads to homelessness, and homelessness exacerbates mental health challenges.
While organizations like the Zimbabwe Association of Social Workers (ZASW) and Bulawayo City Council have made efforts to provide shelters and mental health services, these interventions remain inadequate in addressing the sheer scale of the problem. Shelters in Bulawayo can only accommodate a few hundred people, leaving thousands to fend for themselves on the streets.
Public Perception and Misunderstanding
Societal stigma surrounding mental illness in Zimbabwe compounds the issue. The term inhlanya, while commonly used, often carries a negative connotation, reducing individuals to their perceived madness and stripping them of their humanity. This perception, coupled with the limited public understanding of mental health issues, makes it difficult for the homeless and mentally ill to receive empathy or long-term assistance.
For many in Bulawayo, these people are invisible, blending into the backdrop of the City. However, for some, like the man who handed over the 5 Rand coin, there is recognition of the humanity behind their suffering. But as much as small acts of kindness can brighten a moment, they do little to address the broader systemic issue.
A Call for Government Intervention
Experts argue that government intervention is crucial to resolving the dual crisis of homelessness and mental illness in Bulawayo.
Dr. Mathew Sibanda, a mental health advocate in the city, asserts that,
“the government must prioritize mental health services and social welfare programs. Without structured intervention, we are simply watching as an entire segment of our population is left to deteriorate on the streets.”
Moreover, with Zimbabwe’s health system already facing serious challenges—limited psychiatric wards, few mental health professionals, and lack of affordable medications—mental health often becomes an afterthought. According to a 2023 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), Zimbabwe only has one psychiatrist for every 1.5 million people, highlighting the immense gap in care.
Addressing the issue of homelessness and mental health in Bulawayo requires a multifaceted approach. Experts suggest that increased funding for mental health care, coupled with community outreach and public education campaigns, could alleviate some of the suffering faced by inhlanya.
Furthermore, targeted social programs aimed at job creation, rehabilitation, and reintegration into society are essential in breaking the cycle of poverty and mental illness.
As the man who handed over the 5 Rand walks away, the question remains: how long will Bulawayo continue to offer token gestures to a problem that requires comprehensive solutions?
While kindness is important, real change will only come when mental health and homelessness are given the attention and resources they deserve.
The streets of Bulawayo tell a story, and for now, that story is one of neglect. It is time for the City Fathers, and the country as a whole, to rewrite that narrative.
Zim GBC News©2024