Homeless voice displeasure over decommissioning of shelter, relocation
Decommissioning of the Jewish Homeless Shelter was announced recently, and hundreds of inhabitants have voiced their discontent, citing lack of proper consultation. They fear that the relocation to the newly-built shelter in Illovo may affect their piece jobs, and said that what they need instead are jobs in Durban.
THE derelict Jewish Homeless Shelter at the corner of Sylvester Ntuli Street and Molyneux Road is set to be decommissioned soon, the eThekwini Municipality reported.
The news of the relocation has created discomfort among inhabitants, who feel that the move will not address the real challenges faced by the homeless. The 11-tent shelter, set up during the Covid-19 lockdown, accommodates about 300 men of different ages, most of whom are unemployed, while others survive on piece jobs.
“Although the living conditions are inhumane here, moving us to where our piece jobs will be affected is not a viable plan,” said a shelter resident who asked to remain anonymous for fear of victimisation.
“Last month, the team from the Safer Cities came to address us. They told us that we will soon be relocated to Block AK in Greyville, a temporary shelter, before we are permanently moved to Illovo (Sakhithemba). There were no specific timeframes given.”
He also highlighted that Block AK does not have ample space to accommodate more tents.
“This whole thing reeks of poor planning, no proper consultation. If everything were properly executed, the real challenges we face would be communicated. We need jobs and proper accommodation in Durban.
“Not everyone here needs drug rehabilitation or reunification with their families, so the umbrella approach is irrelevant. Relocating us to Illovo is not the solution.”
Also read: Derelict Covid shelter an eyesore, threatens tourism, property values
EThekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele said the municipality was making great strides in revitalising the Durban inner city, and is also taking steps to assist the homeless.
“Construction of the Sakhithemba Shelter (with an 800-bed capacity) is underway, with completion of the first phase anticipated by November 2025. This facility will replace the current temporary safe sleeping sites,” Mbhele shared.
He added that in the past six months, 232 people have been sheltered, while 59 were trained in technical skills such as electrical, plumbing, computer technology, motor mechanics, and other skills to create pathways out of homelessness. Another 364 individuals were assisted with ID applications, 31 people were employed through partnerships, and 56 homeless individuals were reunified with their families.”
The inhabitants said they were willing to put up resistance, although they were mindful that the municipality may even use force to move them.
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