A COMMUNITY united is one that sets aside its differences for a shared cause and the streets of Lower Illovo highlighted just that as residents attended in masse on June 7 for a peaceful march in opposition to the Sakhithemba Homeless Shelter.

Also read: Community and Municipality reach stalemate on homeless shelter

The march began with around 200 people, but intensified along the way to around 500. March convenor Gopie Krishna Tagat said, “The sea of white shirts worn by participants symbolised solidarity and our shared hope of a safer, more inclusive process. The march demonstrated that this is not a fringe concern, but a deeply felt issue that cuts across age, race and background.”

He said it was disappointing that no senior officials from the municipality were present to receive the memorandum. He added, “It sent the message that despite our peaceful, lawful demonstration, our voices are still being sidelined. The lack of presence reinforces that this project is being imposed, not implemented in partnership.”

According to a statement issued by the eThekwini Municipality, deputy mayor Zandile Myeni will engage with the community of Lower Illovo and surrounding areas following concerns raised by the community.

“We would like to indicate that this shelter is unique because the homeless people who will be accommodated will receive rehabilitation treatment, psychological services and development programmes that will lead them to reunite with their families. The focus is to put them on the pathway out of homelessness. Secondly, we will bring people to the centre who would have been profiled and in need of help,” said Myeni.

eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said, “The facility is intended to provide temporary accommodation for homeless individuals while ensuring they receive the necessary support services, including medical and psychological care.”

She explained that based on assessments made by qualified social workers, individuals accommodated will be set on long-term pathways out of homelessness for social reintegration.

Tagat said while the Lower Illovo community appreciates the clarifications made during previous engagements, the core concerns remain unresolved.

“The community is not opposed to supporting the homeless, we are opposed to poor planning and exclusion. The explanations offered thus far have not addressed why consultation was bypassed, why this location was chosen, or how the infrastructure will cope. Until those questions are answered with transparency and accountability, the community’s stance remains unchanged,” said Tagat.

While Tagat said hope remains for the community, it is tempered by the feeling that consultations between community and government remain a “box-ticking exercise” rather than genuine dialogue.

Ward 97 councillor André Beetge was present during the march. He explained that the DA has driven the narrative of the centre toward being a location for NGOs, and more recently opposing the latest development last year as a homeless shelter.

“Given the deputy is well appraised of the situation, concerns and community frustrations, we find it unacceptable and disrespectful of the apparent apathy and reluctance to engage or inform the community. We will continue to haunt her and her administration to face the community and elaborate their unwanted plans,” said Beetge.

Phase two of the shelter restoration, despite the community’s concerns, is underway. Another engagement is planed for June 13 at the Amanzimtoti Civic Centre.

Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.