Durban mayor urges families, faith groups and businesses to join fight against Durban’s homelessness crisis under M4 freeway
eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba (left) conducted an oversight visit to Che Guevara Road (formerly Moore Road), where homeless people have been living under the M4 Southern freeway. Xaba has called on all stakeholders to align their efforts with the municipality’s strategy to ensure interventions are lawful, humane, and sustainable.
Image: eThekwini Municipality
eTHEKWINI Mayor Cyril Xaba recently gained first-hand insight into the homelessness crisis affecting Durban, particularly under the M4 southern freeway.
During his visit on Wednesday, Xaba, accompanied by municipal officials, faced mounting pressure from opposition political parties, the Umbilo Business Association (UBA), and concerned residents regarding the dire conditions along Guevara Road (formerly known as Moore Road) near Albert Park.
For over a decade, homeless individuals and substance users have occupied the sidewalks, train lines, and open spaces in this area, frequently relocating after police and municipal clean-up operations.
Many of the homeless reside in makeshift tents constructed from bin bags or plastic, with some openly abusing drugs in public view.
This location also serves as a busy thoroughfare connecting the Durban Port to the city centre. The municipality's three-month delay in releasing a report outlining its plans to tackle homelessness has sparked significant debate, particularly during a recent meeting on Tuesday.
DA councillor and Exco member Andre Beetge urged municipal officials to conduct an oversight of the area. However, he faced criticism from opposition parties for creating several videos at the site and sharing them on social media, suggesting that the city lacks a coherent plan to address the crisis. His request for Exco to visit Che Guevara Road also drew criticism.
In response to the ongoing situation, the municipality announced on Wednesday that it is intensifying its structured, multi-sectoral plan to combat 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 collaborate with the municipality and civil society partners to support loved ones willing to reintegrate. The municipality is currently constructing the Sakhithemba Homeless Shelter in Illovo, south of Durban. Once completed, the shelter is expected to accommodate up to 800 people.
The facility will offer life-skills development and support programmes aimed at assisting individuals in overcoming substance abuse and reintegrating into society.
Xaba calls 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, ensuring that reintegration is lasting