Addressing violence and powerlessness associated with homelessness in Tshwane: An empirical missiological study based on Luke 10:25–37

Abstract

Homeless people living on the pavements of the streets of major South African cities, such as Pretoria, are victims of the city’s systemic power abuse and inequality, and are vulnerable. In such a context, Christian mission has an inescapable responsibility to be mindful of the wounds of the City of Pretoria and its communities, specifically those that the homeless people face. In addition, it must respond by facilitating the finding of solutions to address these issues of power abuse, inequality and vulnerability as related to homelessness in Pretoria. Ultimately, the Christian mission must collaborate with homeless individuals in the pursuit of these solutions.
Contribution: Mindful of the wounds that homeless people are subjected to in this city, this article aims to contribute a missiological perspective towards a solution for addressing homelessness associated with violence and powerlessness in Pretoria, South Africa. Twenty (i.e. 8 men and 12 women) homeless people were engaged through contextual Bible study to gain insights into appropriate actions for a transformative missiology in this context. Based on their encounterological reflection of Luke 10:25–35 and for the vision of building an inclusive city where peace, human dignity, freedom and collective well-being are realised in this city, this local homeless community suggests a number of ‘hopeful actions’, which are discussed in this article.