High levels of unemployment and drug addiction are driving a surge in homelessness across Durban, with displaced individuals facing stigma and limited support. A 48-year-old mother of three, who asked to remain anonymous, shared her story after moving from Gauteng in search of work, only to end up on the streets.
“Don’t look at a homeless person as someone who’s given up on life,” she said, now volunteering at the Dennis Hurley Centre, a shelter providing meals and accommodation. “We’re actually trying, but every avenue we take, people treat us like we’re a problem.”
Residents Blame Homeless for Crime, Leading to Forced Removals
Tensions have escalated as some Durban residents accuse homeless individuals of contributing to crime. In the Albert Park area, pressure from locals led the eThekwini Municipality and Metro Police to dismantle makeshift shelters and forcibly remove homeless people. Some, like Darryl Hannabus, who has been homeless for four months, say they were unfairly targeted.
“I just wanted to rest in the park for an hour—I wasn’t bothering anyone,” Hannabus said. “Private security guards chase us out even when we’re just sitting quietly.”
Calls for a Multisectoral Approach
Property developers and advocates argue that simply relocating homeless individuals does not solve the issue. Instead, they urge collaboration between government, NGOs, and businesses to provide sustainable solutions.
“Public Works has vacant buildings that could be repurposed for housing,” said one stakeholder. “Moving people from Albert Park just shifted the problem to other business areas—it didn’t fix anything.”
Municipality’s Controversial Plan
The eThekwini Municipality has proposed constructing a homeless facility in Isipingo, about 45 minutes outside the city. However, critics fear the plan is poorly conceived, lacking job opportunities and essential services.
“They’re spending millions to dump people far from the city with no real support,” said an advocate. “Homeless individuals come to Durban seeking work—stranding them in an isolated area won’t help.”
The eThekwini Municipality and Public Works Department had not responded to requests for comment.
As Durban grapples with this growing crisis, homeless individuals and advocates continue pleading for empathy, better policies, and real solutions—not just displacement.
