ETHEKWINI Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba has confirmed that construction of the Sakhithemba Homeless Shelter in Lower Illovo is expected to be finalised by the first week of December.

Also read: Community awaits promised Sakhithemba Homeless Shelter engagement

Initial announcements by eThekwini said Sakhithemba would be a 400-bed facility for the homeless and individuals undergoing rehabilitation from substance abuse; however, Xaba announced on November 2 that the shelter will accommodate up to 1 000 adults over the age of 18. The length of stay will vary from three to six months, but could extend to as long as two years, depending on individual circumstances.

The operational costs for running the facility are estimated at R7.15m per year, covering meals, clothing, and skills development programmes, Xaba announced during a media briefing that outlined several key developments within the municipality.

Located along the P197 road, adjacent to Lower Illovo Primary School, the R13.6m facility is about 70% complete. It stands on municipal property previously used as a YMCA halfway house for parolees and drug users until its lease expired in 2014. The building later fell into disrepair before the municipality decided to rehabilitate the site, a move that sparked strong opposition from residents, who said the decision had been made without community consultation.

Xaba said the Sakhithemba project aims to address homelessness in eThekwini by providing a structured, temporary environment for rehabilitation and reintegration.

“We wish to emphasise that Sakhithemba will operate as a transitional shelter for homeless individuals and those recovering from substance use. Admission will follow a comprehensive screening process, conducted at the drop-in centre located in the CBD,” he said.

Also read: Residents petition against Lower Illovo homeless shelter

According to the municipality, the facility will provide a range of support services, including social work programmes, life skills training, counselling, family reunification, reintegration into society, and job readiness training. Despite the municipality’s earlier promise of continuous engagement with the community, residents say consultations have stalled. eThekwini officials confirmed that since June, only one meeting has taken place, but more will be scheduled. Community members have expressed concern that housing the homeless and recovering drug users in the area could lead to an increase in crime.

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