The Sakhithemba Homeless Shelter in Illovu, south of Durban, where 1,200 beds are being set up to support the homeless.
Image: eThekwini Municipality
While eThekwini Municipality officials conducted an oversight of Sakhithemba Homeless Shelter to address homelessness, Umbilo businesses were unhappy with the drug addicts on their doorsteps.
It was previously reported that addicts and homeless people had built makeshift tents with bin bags and other materials, and encroached on Che Guevara Road under the M4 Southern Freeway bridge, making it unsafe for motorists entering the Durban CBD and the Port of Durban.
They have now settled under the bridge on Khuzimpi Shezi Road, formerly Williams Road.
A breakaway group has taken over the road and pavements on Douglas Lane outside a block of flats in Warwick Avenue.
eThekwini Deputy Mayor and Chairperson of the Public Safety Committee, Councillor Zandile Myeni, visited the shelter in Illovu to check on the progress of renovations being undertaken.
The shelter is expected to provide housing for vulnerable residents.
Myeni said she was satisfied with the progress and quality of the refurbishment work, noting that the upgraded facility will significantly strengthen the municipality’s capacity to support individuals experiencing homelessness.
“The shelter is a key part of the municipality’s homelessness response, aimed at providing dignified and structured shelter for those living on the streets of Durban.”
The 1,200-bed facility is scheduled for completion in November 2026. Myeni met with the project management team, community leaders, and various stakeholders to assess progress on phase two of the refurbishment programme.
“We encourage continuous and frequent engagement with the community of Illovu, non-profit organisations, and people experiencing homelessness. We have done so throughout the refurbishment process, but as we near completion, concrete and collaborative strategies from all partners are now essential,” Myeni said.
The Umbilo Business Association (UBA) stated that the municipality has not yet met with it despite several emailed requests.
The UBA stated that it has submitted detailed proposals and offered solutions, but it has been met with silence.
“Only a few inadequate operations have been conducted. The population of drug users on Williams Road continues to increase. Open drug use, criminal activity, and unsanitary conditions threaten our businesses and residents daily.
“Our infrastructure crumbles around us, roads cratered, stormwater drains blocked, street lights dead. Traffic congestion strangles our logistics corridor, threatening the very functioning of the port precinct,” the association stated.
Active Citizens Coalition (ACC) eThekwini Councillor Mohammed Ismail noted that a wide range of groups — including non-governmental and non-profit organisations, faith-based groups, and community initiatives — are currently providing humanitarian aid and support to homeless people in the city.
He stressed that these efforts are undertaken at their own expense, without formal municipal recognition or coordinated support.
He proposed that the municipality convene all relevant non-governmental organisations, faith-based organisations, and community groups working in the homelessness sector to develop a coordinated city-wide strategy and masterplan.
“The municipality explore the establishment of a grant or support mechanism to assist credible organisations providing services to homeless persons. Such organisations be formally recognised, coordinated, and supported in partnership with the municipality. Clear accountability and vetting mechanisms must be implemented to ensure transparency and prevent abuse of public resources,” Ismail stated.
zainul.dawood@inl.co.za
EThekwini Deputy Mayor Councillor Zandile Myeni during an oversight visit to the upgraded Sakhithemba Homeless Shelter in Illovu.
Image: eThekwini Municipality