WATCH: Durban Homeless Crisis: Mayor Cyril Xaba Pushes Compassion-Led Plan for Che Guevara Road

In dealing with Durban's homeless population, particularly those who have been perennially camped on Che Guevara Road (formerly Moore Road) near Albert Park, Mayor Cyril Xaba said the situation must be handled with “compassion” and be people-centred.

Xaba justified this approach by stating that every homeless person’s circumstances differ.

During a walkabout on Wednesday, Xaba gained first-hand experience of the area under the M4 Southern Freeway, which has gained notoriety for being a haven for drug users, prostitutes, criminals and vagrants.

Those who congregate in the area, which is also a busy thoroughfare between the Durban Port and the city centre, have occupied sidewalks, railway lines and available open spaces in the zone for more than a decade. Their informal abodes are usually constructed from plastic bags, and some individuals are openly seen consuming narcotic substances.

As part of crime-prevention interventions, police have conducted numerous raids at the Che Guevara site, forcing those living there to flee. However, their displacement typically lasts only a few hours. Once the police presence subsides and clean-up operations are concluded, they reoccupy the area.

The Daily News recently reported on activities taking place on Che Guevara Road, sparked by a viral video showing a vehicle travelling through the area being vandalised. The article also highlighted what it described as a cat-and-mouse dynamic between vagrants and authorities whenever clean-up operations are conducted.

The municipality’s three-month delay in producing a report outlining its plans to address homelessness in the city was debated during a council meeting on Tuesday.

DA councillor and Exco member Andre Beetge urged municipal officials to conduct oversight of the area.

Beetge was criticised by opposition parties for creating videos at the site and posting them on social media, claiming that the city lacks a plan to deal with the crisis. His request for the Exco to visit Che Guevara Road was also criticised.

On Wednesday, the municipality said it was intensifying its structured, multi-sectoral plan to address homelessness through prevention, reintegration and long-term social support.

Xaba called on all stakeholders to align their efforts with the municipality’s strategy to ensure interventions are lawful, humane and sustainable.

“The city’s approach prioritises coordinated partnerships and measurable outcomes that support individuals in transitioning off the streets,” he said.

Xaba emphasised that sustainable solutions require a people-centred approach that recognises the unique circumstances of each individual.

“Addressing homelessness requires compassion, partnership and long-term support. Our focus is on helping individuals reconnect with their families, access social services and rebuild their lives with dignity.”

The mayor urged families to work collaboratively with the municipality and civil society partners to support loved ones willing to reintegrate.

The municipality said it is currently building the Sakhithemba Homeless Shelter in Illovo, south of Durban. Once completed, the shelter is expected to accommodate up to 800 people.

The facility will provide life-skills development and support programmes aimed at assisting individuals in overcoming substance abuse and reintegrating into society.

Xaba called on:

• • Families to reconnect with loved ones living on the streets.

  • Faith-based organisations, NGOs and activists to strengthen partnerships in reintegration efforts.

  • Businesses to continue offering resources and opportunities that support sustainable change.

  • Communities to embrace compassion and inclusivity to ensure lasting reintegration.

DAILY NEWS