Kebonye Senna has always committed herself to the ideals of ubuntu, and her work with homeless people, coupled with her passion for football, has spurred her on to a life in tune with the ethos of public service.

A staunch Kaizer Chiefs supporter, Kebonye’s job is centred on helping vulnerable groups in Johannesburg live up to their full potential.​

She believes the distinctive tenet of her work as the Head of the Displaced Persons Sub-Unit in the Health and Social Development portfolio is to give starving homeless people some dignity. She’s been in the role for almost four years and relishes every opportunity and challenge assigned to it.

“We need to understand at first hand the challenges people go through,” she says.

Kebonye’s football team, Majimbos FC – a self-funded project – provides much-needed succour to underprivileged people in and around the Inner City.

A Social Worker by training, the mother of three enjoys hosting football tournaments for homeless people as a pastime. She recently held a displaced persons football tournament in Florida on the West Rand, which was won by Wembly FC.

During the grim days of the hard Covid-19 lockdown, Kebonye used her platform in the City to cushion homeless people against the blows of hunger and loneliness brought on by the global pandemic.

“Life is a matter of privilege because while some live a life of luxury, some just fail to make ends meet,” she believes.

She says the Covid-19 lockdown laid bare the frailties of a governance system that neglects disadvantaged people. She’s, however, chuffed that the City has introduced some legislative framework to guide service delivery to the homeless.

Kebonye emphasises that the municipality has always been responsive to the needs of homeless people.

“There is a wide spectrum of support service programmes provided to Joburgers living on the streets, such as family reunification services, drug rehabilitation, skills development and placement in temporary shelters. These services ensure conditions that lead to people getting displaced are averted,” she says.

Kebonye says the Covid-19 lockdown has taught her to cherish people more, whether family members, colleagues, displaced persons or anyone that has touched her life.

When she’s not at work, Kebonye devotes her time to coaching or liberating potential loiterers who are looking for positive social habits.

“Tomorrow is not guaranteed,” she says.