Cape Town has officially joined a worldwide coalition of cities committed to reducing homelessness, becoming the 18th member of the Institute for Global Homelessness (IGH) Vanguard Cities network. The City signed a formal Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) during the National Homeless Conversation held at City Hall — the first time the national gathering has been hosted in Cape Town.
The agreement was signed by Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health Councillor Francine Higham, and Executive Director Zukiswa Mandlana. This marks a major milestone in Cape Town’s long-term strategy to help residents transition from life on the streets to sustainable living.
By joining the global network, Cape Town has committed to several key objectives:
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Measuring and reporting on homelessness annually to the IGH
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Setting and achieving locally defined goals to reduce homelessness
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Ensuring that equity, inclusion, and lived experiences shape policy
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Sharing local insights and best practices with other global cities
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Participating in the annual Vanguard Summit to collaborate internationally
“Since 2013, the City has introduced a range of interventions to help people off the streets in a sustainable, dignified manner,” said Councillor Higham. “Becoming a Vanguard City strengthens this work and signals our intent to both share our lessons and learn from others doing impactful work around the world. Together, we are building a city where every person has the opportunity to live with dignity and hope.”
The City’s homelessness strategy includes expanding Safe Spaces, funding and partnering with NGOs, and investing in social reintegration services that help individuals rebuild their lives.
As part of the Vanguard Cities programme, Cape Town will join a growing global movement of urban centres — from Adelaide to Santiago — working collaboratively to end street homelessness through data-driven strategies, innovation, and community partnerships.
Cape Town’s inclusion in the network represents not just a local milestone, but a powerful statement of intent: that addressing homelessness is not merely a social responsibility, but a shared mission to restore dignity, opportunity, and hope to all.
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