Social Development

Social development and upliftment are a priority for the VRCID. With the growing number of homeless and jobless people, the VRCID appointed a full-time Social Development Manager, Deputy Social Development Manager (registered Social Workers) and 3 Field Workers to liaise with especially the homeless on a daily basis. Together with our partners, MES, The Haven, Tygerberg Street Peoples Association amongst others, we provide funding for them to provide much-needed services.

These services include, amongst others, family reunifications, application for social grants, applications for identity documents, basic health services and also assisting with short-term shelter.

Together with the City of Cape Town Social Development department, the VRCID actively promotes the GIVE RESPONSIBLY campaign. This is an awareness campaign to raise awareness that simply by giving to those begging on the streets, might not have the desired effect. In many instances, this money is used to buy alcohol or drugs. We would rather the public to give of their time and money to NGO’s that the VRCID works with.

Social Development Manager

Michelle Lambrechts-De Jongh

Michelle is a dedicated social work professional with a career spanning back to 2014. She holds a BA Degree in Social Work from the University of the Western Cape, graduating in March 2015. Currently, she is pursuing an Associate Diploma in People Management, expected to be completed in 2024. Michelle has experience in child protection, forensic assessment, and interventions related to older persons, persons with disabilities, social crime, and gender-based violence. She joined the Provincial Department of Social Development in February 2017 before transitioning to the Voortrekker Road Corridor Improvement District (VRCID). Prior to her role at the VRCID, Michelle worked at BADISA Trio Bellville as a Social Worker specializing in Child Protection.

Deputy Social Development Manager

Tinashe Mhangara

Tinashe graduated from the University of Fort Hare with a Bachelor of Social Science in 2008 and an Honours degree in social sciences Interdisciplinary in 2009, before she furthers her studies in social work for 2 years. She’s currently working towards her Master’s in Social Work and has chosen a research topic rooted in homelessness.

She is a culturally competent Social Worker, with experience working with children and adults. Before joining the VRCID as Deputy Social Development Manager, Tinashe worked at The Haven Night Shelter in Bellville, where she had a big impact on the homeless sector and where her passion for the homeless emerged. In addition, her experience in an interdisciplinary team in a palliative care unit gave her insight into substance abuse and chronic illnesses.

Auxiliary Field Worker

Allistair Scholtz

Prior to joining the VRCID, Allistair worked in the health industry and later as a Public Safety Officer for the VRCID’s security service provider. His knowledge of the VRCID and working as a Public Safety Officer brought him into contact with most of the people who live on the streets of Bellville and Parow. He soon realised that he would prefer to assist the people on a social developmental level and that he would like to develop his skills in this area. Allistair is a soccer coach in his community and is passionate to work with children and to assist people who live on the streets.Through his work he hopes to create a better future for those in need and contribute to a healthy and safe environment for all.

Field Worker

Veronica Geduld

Veronica, a trained carer, worked with the frail and elderly, before joining OASIS and later MES as a Field Worker. She has been working for the VRCID as fieldworker since July 2016. Her experience as a carer assists the VRCID greatly to help people living on the street who need medical assistance.

Field Worker

Hilton Goliath

Hilton matriculated at Spes Bona Secondary in 1998, and thereafter joined the Chrysalis Academy graduate programme. He completed an Early Childhood Development practitioners course, enabling him to assist learners regardless of their ability and diversity. He also volunteered as a social fieldworker at Hope In Action, working in informal settlements in the Athlone area. After this, he volunteered as a fieldworker at The Haven Bellville night shelter, furthering his passion to work with homeless and destitute youth and adults. Hilton joined the VRCID on a full-time basis on 1 November 2023 as a social fieldworker.