THE homeless community residing under the bridge in Albert Park recently suffered a blow when the SAPS and government officials pounced on them and burned their belongings. While the business community and residents in Durban and surrounding areas applauded the action, the Dennis Hurley Centre is not impressed with this move, citing its fundamental flaws.

“When people see some homeless people sleeping rough or openly trading drugs or stealing to feed their addictions, there is a cry of ‘something must be done’. The actions of the police mean that these groups are scattered – they do not disappear; they just move to another place. So when the police intervened with the group by the railway tracks, some scattered to Glenwood and Umbilo, and others moved to the Esplanade traffic island. Those on the traffic island have now been dispersed, and many are in Albert Park, whereas, others are now in the CBD. The problems that were contained in one small part of the city have now spread to more parts of the city,” said Dr Raymond Perrier, the director of the Denis Hurley Centre.

Perrier believes that it is unfortunate that local government persists in thinking that there are quick fixes to deep social problems. Some strategies do work – providing well-run safe sleeping spaces, giving access to managed medical substitutes for drugs, and tackling the drug dealers and not just the buyers – but these take time and patience, a vision and a well-coordinated strategy.

The National Homeless Network’s eighth National Conversation about Homelessness will take place in Durban for the first time since 2020, from November 18 to 20, and registration is now open.

The Durban Homeless Forum is hosting the event at the Denis Hurley Centre (DHC).

“Join us for a series of stimulating conversations about addiction, shelters, urban gardening, access to government services and much more. There will also be feedback on the Green Paper being prepared for the Department of Social Development on a possible National Homeless Policy,” explained Perrier.

Also read: WATCH | Homeless dispersal sparks concern in Durban

“The conversation is open to anyone who is concerned about this issue: NGOs, religious groups, concerned citizens and Government officials.

“The DHC believes in the importance of a city that is safe for all its residents and which takes action against criminality. We, therefore, recognise that recent police efforts against the homeless have the praiseworthy intention of identifying and addressing criminal elements within the homeless community. But, in trying to address one problem, local government has simply created other ones.

For more information about the conversation, contact 0765 702 497 or email raymond@denishurleycentre.org.

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