Approximately 150 flood victims were abruptly evicted from the Bayside Hotel in Durban’s CBD on Tuesday night, leaving them stranded on the pavement in chilly conditions. The group, many of whom include children and elderly individuals, had been housed in the hotel as temporary shelter following devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal dating back to 2022.
Government and Hotel Owner at Odds Over Funding
According to officials, the eviction stems from a breakdown in funding agreements between the provincial government and the hotel owner. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements and Transport confirmed that the government had previously paid R185 million for accommodation across several hotels, including the Bayside Hotel, but additional funding of R128 million is now required to continue housing displaced families.
KZN Department of Transport spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya explained that while efforts were made to relocate the evictees to a temporary shelter in Chesterville, some refused to move, fearing further instability. “We arranged buses and meals, but there are those who are being mobilized to resist relocation,” Mkhize said. He also cited challenges with verifying legitimate flood victims, including undocumented foreign nationals and individuals refusing to provide identification.
Residents Demand Permanent Solutions
Frustrated victims, many of whom have been displaced multiple times since the 2022 floods, expressed exhaustion over temporary relocations. One resident, who spent the night outside said: “We are tired of moving from place to place. We need permanent homes, not more halls or shelters.” Another revealed that a child had been hospitalized with pneumonia due to exposure to the cold.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, has reportedly flown to Johannesburg to engage with national officials in urgent talks to resolve the crisis. Meanwhile, NGOs and municipal teams are providing meals and assistance to those still camped outside the hotel.
Broader Housing Challenges
The incident highlights ongoing struggles in the province’s flood recovery efforts, including resistance from communities opposing the construction of permanent housing in certain areas—a phenomenon officials refer to as the “Not in My Backyard” syndrome.
As negotiations continue, the evicted families remain in limbo, with many vowing to stay put until a long-term solution is provided.
