A controversial plan by the eThekwini Municipality to relocate homeless people to a facility outside the city has drawn sharp criticism from advocacy groups, with Dr. Raymond Perrier of the Dennis Hurley Centre calling the move “absurd” and ineffective.
During a recent interview, Dr. Perrier outlined the centre’s work in supporting Durban’s homeless population—providing food, healthcare, ID replacements, and job training—while emphasizing the need to treat homeless individuals with dignity. However, he strongly opposed the municipality’s proposed solution of moving unhoused people to a remote site 45 minutes outside the city.
“This isn’t a solution—it’s just moving the problem,” said Perrier, who also chairs the National Homeless Network. He argued that most homeless people stay in the city to seek work, meaning they would likely return. He also criticized the municipality’s track record, citing deteriorating shelters and a lack of consultation with both experts and homeless communities.
The plan, originally meant for 400 people, now aims to accommodate 1,000, despite concerns over poor management and inadequate services. Perrier pointed to successful models in cities like Cape Town, where smaller, well-managed shelters in urban centers have proven more effective.
The municipality has faced backlash for treating homelessness as a criminal issue rather than a social one, with residents often blaming homeless individuals for crime and drug-related problems. Perrier stressed that sweeping generalizations harm vulnerable people who need support, not displacement.
Despite having led a successful homeless response during COVID-19, the eThekwini Municipality now faces accusations of ignoring expert advice and wasting millions on an unworkable scheme. Critics demand a more humane, sustainable approach—one that prioritizes reintegration over removal.
