ETHEWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CITY INTENSIFIES HOMELESSNESS INTERVENTIONS AS DEPUTY MAYOR INSPECTS UPGRADES AT SAKHITHEMBA HOMELESS SHELTER
EThekwini Municipality has intensified its interventions to address homelessness through major upgrades at the Sakhithemba Homeless Shelter.
EThekwini Deputy Mayor and Chairperson of the Public Safety Committee, Councillor Zandile Myeni, reaffirmed the City’s commitment to expanding safe accommodation for vulnerable residents during an oversight visit to the Illovu-based facility yesterday, 18 March.
During the inspection, the Deputy Mayor expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality of the refurbishment work, noting that the upgraded facility will significantly strengthen the City’s capacity to support individuals experiencing homelessness.
The Sakhithemba Homeless Shelter is a key part of the Municipality’s citywide homelessness response, aimed at providing dignified and structured shelter for those living on the streets of Durban.
Approved in August 2024, the project was initially designed as a 400 bed facility scheduled for completion in the 2026/27 financial year.
However, in response to increasing need and the Municipality’s expanded focus on social safety and inclusion, the project scope has since been broadened.
During the site visit, Deputy Mayor Myeni met with the project management team, community leaders, and various stakeholders to assess progress on phase two of the refurbishment programme.
“We encourage continuous and frequent engagement with the community of Illovu, non-profit organisations, and people experiencing homelessness. We have done so throughout the refurbishment process, but as we near completion, concrete and collaborative strategies from all partners are now essential,” said Deputy Mayor Myeni.
She confirmed that Council has approved an increased capacity of 1 200 beds to strengthen the City’s homelessness intervention efforts.
“Council recognised that with thousands of people experiencing homelessness across the City, expanding capacity from 400 to 1 200 beds was necessary to provide safe accommodation and support pathways out of homelessness. The expanded scope significantly increased project complexity, requiring a phased implementation approach,” she said.
Deputy Mayor Myeni added: “The revised approach enables parallel execution of work, reduces interdependencies between construction packages, and better manages challenges posed by the limited site footprint. Phase 3A aligns with Phase 1 enablement and external works and will be implemented by the Phase 1 contractor. This includes walkways, landscaping, external and integration works, and recreational spaces that support a dignified living environment.”
These interventions form part of the City’s broader strategy to provide sustainable, structured support to vulnerable communities while strengthening safety, social
cohesion, and effective urban management.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
