An analysis and reframing of South African policies in response to homelessness: Towards an evidence-based victim inclusive policy framework

At the dawn of democracy, the intended break from institutionalised racism, segregation and oppression of apartheid sought to establish a new society founded on equality and humanity. However, homelessness remains a persistent social issue that starkly undermines these founding democratic principles. It serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted systemic and individual inequalities that continue to afflict the nation and its citizens. The thesis investigated the context in which homelessness exists and the manner in which it is being responded to. The aim was to develop an evidence-based victim inclusive policy framework to improve local responses to homelessness, with an emphasis on promoting inclusivity and protection among this vulnerable population. Guided by three key objectives, the study included an analysis of existing local and international responses; to determine the experiences of victimisation and service needs among people experiencing homelessness; and to obtain input from various stakeholders to inform the development of an inclusive policy framework. The study is underpinned by an integrated theoretical framework which connects to existing knowledge while facilitating the generation of enhanced perspectives within the homeless domain. The theoretical considerations unpack the complex trajectories from the onset of homelessness through the analytical framework of the life course as a developmental theory, to the nuanced explanations offered by the social cognitive theory, providing insight into how individuals interact with various factors shaping their responses to adversity and access to resources. The public (rational) choice and deliberative public administration theory provided critical insights into the policymaking process, which is an important aspect in response to this progressive social issue. To explain victimisation, the study drew upon the differential risk model and extended low self-control theory. The theory of planned behaviour examined help-seeking patterns and service access, identifying barriers among marginalised groups that stakeholders need to remain cognisant of. Structural functionalism portrayed the notion of a broken system, advocating for the improved collaboration of key figures to achieve inclusivity and enhanced responses. Grounded in a pragmatic paradigm, underpinned by a mixed methods approach, the thesis is presented in three phases, sequentially designed to address different aspects of the research problem. Through the use of document analysis, questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, the study revealed a significant amount of rich information within the context of six local policy documents, 150 people experiencing homelessness and 38 stakeholders in the service sector. Firstly, the study identified strengths and limitations in current responses on a provincial and municipal level, denoting a generally overlooked area of service delivery in South Africa. The second phase provided rich data regarding the lived realities of people experiencing homelessness. Through the identification of distinct pathways and the development of an experiential definition, the study contributes to the improved contextual and conceptual understanding of homelessness in academic discourse. The study further revealed the dynamic interplay of risk factors perpetuating experiences of vulnerability, violence and strife. A substantial proportion of the sample have experienced victimisation (59.7%), with more detrimental impacts and challenges as a direct consequence of their continuous exposure to adversity and complex negative outcomes. Moreover, through consultative engagements with stakeholders, the study presents practical solutions to the challenges confronting both the service sector and people experiencing homelessness. The study contributes to the advancement of theory, policy development and improved practice by adding much needed depth to the dearth of local research. The information obtained through this rigorous process culminated in the development of a pioneering and novel victim inclusive policy framework to facilitate the creation of infrastructure and services for people experiencing homelessness.