Homelessness remains one of South Africa’s most visible yet often misunderstood social challenges. Across city centres including Pretoria CBD, more people are sleeping on pavements,
under bridges and in public spaces, becoming part of a landscape many commuters pass every day. But behind the visible reality of homelessness lies a much deeper story — one of unemployment, trauma, family breakdown and emotional struggles that often go unseen. Many of those living on the streets are men carrying burdens that extend beyond simply not having a roof over their heads. They are also dealing with stress, anxiety, depression and mental health challenges that frequently go unnoticed and untreated. As the country marks Male Mental Health Month, difficult
questions emerge around the pressures men face and why so many continue to suffer in silence. Are societal expectations around masculinity preventing men from seeking help? And are we too quick to reduce homeless people to statistics or stereotypes without understanding the circumstances that
brought them there? Tonight we speak to Brian Dala, a young man who spends nights among homeless communities documenting their lived experiences, in an effort to encourage South Africans to see beyond the labels and recognise the humanity, dignity and stories behind life on the streets.