A LARGE-SCALE clean-up operation in Durban North has resulted in the dismantling of informal settlements and the removal of homeless individuals from green spaces along Riverside Road and surrounding areas.

The operation, co-ordinated by the eThekwini Municipality with support from Metro SAPS, was conducted recently in response to mounting complaints about safety, crime, and public health concerns.

Ward 36 councillor Heinz de Boer confirmed the clean-up, describing it as “long overdue” and a necessary step to reclaim public spaces. “We’ve had ongoing issues in Riverside for years,” said De Boer. “There have been reports of drug abuse, alcohol dependency, violence, and even attacks on cyclists. It became untenable. We simply couldn’t carry on like this.”

@caxtonlocalmedia A large-scale clean-up operation in Durban North has resulted in the dismantling of informal settlements and the removal of homeless individuals from green spaces along Riverside Road and surrounding areas. The operation, coordinated by the eThekwini Municipality with support from Metro SAPS , was conducted in response to mounting complaints about safety, crime, and public health concerns. Ward 36 councillor Heinz de Boer confirmed the clean-up, describing it as “long overdue” and a necessary step to reclaim public spaces. #NorthglenNews #DurbanNorth #Cleanuo #Heinzdeboer ♬ original sound – caxtonlocalmedia

The area, known for its leafy suburbs and public open spaces, has seen a rise in informal dwellings hidden within the dense vegetation, especially along Riverside Road.
A similar complaint surfaced after the clean-up about people occupying the bushes along Browns Drift Road.

“Sex work, drug use, and fights were regular occurrences,” said De Boer. “We’ve received countless reports from the public, and as the councillor, I’ve been raising this issue for years.”

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According to De Boer, some individuals living in the bush suffer from mental health issues and substance dependency, including the use of drugs such as whoonga.

“These are real social problems but the legal system often doesn’t help. The courts consider by-law infractions minor, and even when arrests are made, there’s no meaningful consequence. We’re stuck in a cycle.”

Major operation

The clean-up forms part of a broader anti-crime and urban regeneration initiative that includes collaboration between local businesses, law enforcement, and the Community Policing Forum (CPF), which regularly conducts patrols in the area.

“Business owners are committed, and we’re working hard with council to find sustainable solutions,” De Boer added.

Despite the challenges, efforts are being made to support displaced individuals. A municipal soup kitchen, fully funded by the city, operates from Greenwood Park Hall on Chris Hani Road. Several local churches are also involved in outreach programmes. “We’re co-ordinating services and trying to secure budget for fencing and to formalise the area at the bottom of Riverside Road into a proper recycling centre,” said De Boer.

However, not all efforts have had the intended effect. De Boer shared accounts of people receiving food donations at traffic intersections, only to resell these for drug money.

“It’s controversial, but I stand by it: we can’t keep enabling this behavior. We have laws. We need to uphold them.”

The councillor also noted that public infrastructure has been compromised.

“There are braai stands in the trail on Riverside intended for community use, but residents are too afraid to enjoy them. That has to change.”

Authorities say the operation is ongoing, with plans to extend the clean-up across the entire M4 corridor.

“We need a sustainable solution. This is not ideal, but we’re doing what we can,” De Boer said.

Law enforcement

Metro SAPS Senior Superintendent Boysie Zungu, who oversaw the operation, said law enforcement responded directly to community concerns.

“We conducted the above operations because of a number of complaints from the public and business people,” said Zungu.

“Homeless individuals are sleeping all over, causing a nuisance, making the area dirty and unsafe, some are even committing offences. This is part of a broader city-wide initiative to keep Durban clean. These operations will continue until we get compliance.”

Zungu emphasised that the operation covered all areas of Durban North where complaints were received, and that no prior warning was necessary.

“Vagrancy and loitering are unlawful in terms of the City by-laws,” he said.