‘Helping a homeless person is a rigorous journey,’ warns expert

June 19, 2025 127

Clinical psychologist, Deborah Olusola, says people need to understand that sometimes homeless people have complex needs that that are not met by traditional assistance as the help they need isn’t linear.

Olusalo who’s practicing at The Couch in Rivonia is reacting to concerns on social media on Alostro, real name Mohau Louis’ well-being after he posted a video of his relapse on social media.

In it, he is seen celebrating what he terms as his freedom from those who tried to help him.

The 39-year-old gained popularity after a local DJ, known as Karri, stepped in to help him in his recovery journey against nyaope, capturing the ups and downs of his battle.

Olusalo says there’s multiple reasons that contribute to why a homeless person might regress when someone tries to help them, and some of the possible reasons include trauma and attachment to the street life.

Alostro back on the streets and screaming “im freeee” this is sad to watch 💔💔😭 @Djkarri__ you tried sawa moya continue assisting others. pic.twitter.com/doMMSIXCVK

— Dr Chauke 📝 (@_BlackZA) June 18, 2025

Another video of him telling his side of the story has also emerged.

Alostro telling his side of story 🤧 pic.twitter.com/9F3kqP4C1I

— Mnyamani 📽 (@Zikamnyamane) June 18, 2025

Another homeless man who is popular on the social media streets is Bonga Sithole, who shot to countrywide fame after Mrs SA 2022, Sisanda Qwabe, attempted to assist him.

Sithole is also popular for his fluency in English, which isn’t common among homeless people.

However, despite Qwabe’s efforts, he went back to the streets.

Bonga Sithole still on the streets
I think he needs some prayers or traditional therapy.
This guy has brains but there’s just something odd, something that won’t let him to have a stable life, maybe someone paralysed him traditionally
Either way, he needs help pic.twitter.com/6NHXAdxmDl

— Lerato Pillay 🇿🇦💎🇿🇦 (@LeratoPillayZA) June 15, 2025

According to the expert, an individual’s inability to get used to living in traditional homes can trigger anxiety.

Olusalo says the fear of systems and rules when homeless people live in shelters/rehabs can dysregulate them, especially when they have unresolved trauma.

However, she emphasises that a big part of getting a homeless person help starts with them, as they too need to want to get better.

The Alostro thing makes you realize that ‘change of habit must come from the person who suffers from addiction to substance’, so long as it doesn’t come from them, we will end up with people who revert or relapse back to their habits!!

Look at what happened to Bonga💔💔

— Sthe ka Zwide (@Sthe___Nxumalo) June 19, 2025