A DEDICATED committee has been established to spearhead the restoration of Resistance Park in Umbilo, following a recent stakeholders’ meeting led by the Sastri College Alumni.

The initiative comes amid growing concerns over the park’s deterioration and its current use as a shelter by homeless individuals. The meeting brought together key community stakeholders, including representatives from Umbilo SAPS, the Community Policing Forum (CPF), Glenwood Ratepayers and Residents Association, local businesses, alumni members, and concerned residents.

Key proposals discussed included securing the park with fencing prior to any refurbishment work. Local business owner Virend “Pops” Ramdhani recommended that fencing and a maintenance plan be prioritised to safeguard the area ahead of the upliftment project. This got underway on Thursday morning after the owner of Tilley Doors, Shamun Parsad, donated material and labour to repair the hole in the fence.

“Before the work could commence, the homeless individuals living at the site were informed and asked to remove their belongings which they did without any issue. The Parks Department is also here to continue with maintenance,” said Ramdhani.

This was applauded by Keyuren Maharaj, chairperson of both the Glenwood Ratepayers and Residents Association and the Umbilo Youth Crime Prevention Desk, who further suggested trimming overgrown trees as a preventative measure. “Improving lighting and signage will help increase visibility, leaving no space to hide,” said Maharaj. “Signs warning against littering and notifying the public that the park is monitored will also serve as a deterrent. In addition, we recommend installing CCTV and ensuring regular security patrols.”

Also Read: Resistance Park in peril

The committee responded positively to other upgrade suggestions, including the addition of murals, seating, lighting, and landscaping to revitalise the space. Alumni representative Anand Naicker stressed the importance of balancing immediate solutions with a long-term vision.

He said, “The homelessness crisis extends beyond this park — it’s a city-wide issue. A sustainable, humanitarian solution is needed if we want this heritage site to survive for future generations.”

Meanwhile, the eThekwini Municipality’s Recreation and Parks Department has already begun maintenance efforts over the past two weeks, receiving praise from residents. Municipal spokesperson Gugu Sisilana confirmed these efforts, saying, “We are also in the process of sealing off the building within the park where some homeless individuals had taken shelter.”

She added that the Parks Directorate’s Law Enforcement Unit continues to carry out regular operations to discourage unlawful occupation of the park.

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