eThekwini Municipality says construction of the Sakhithemba Homeless Shelter in Illovu, south of Durban, is at an advanced stage and is expected to be completed by October.
The facility is intended to provide transitional support for homeless individuals, including counselling, skills development and substance abuse interventions.
Speaking on East Coast Radio, Chairperson of Governance and Human Capital Nkosenhle Madlala said the shelter would serve as a space where homeless residents can begin rebuilding their lives and reconnecting with their families.
The development comes as the municipality faces mounting pressure over rising homelessness in Durban’s CBD, where thousands of people are believed to be living on the streets despite ongoing intervention efforts.
Madlala stressed that the shelter would not function as a detention centre and said admission would involve a screening process aimed at ensuring appropriate support services are provided.
“These will include social development programmes, psychosocial support, skills training, counselling, substance abuse interventions, and job readiness and employment support programmes,” Madlala said.
“We believe this progressive and compassionate approach to addressing homelessness is going to go a long way in turning our city into a good place for everyone.”
The shelter project follows growing concern from businesses and residents over the impact of homelessness in parts of Durban.
Earlier this year, business owners in Umbilo warned that crime and safety concerns were escalating as the number of people living on the streets continued to rise.
Mary Furlan, who works for a car parts manufacturer in the area, previously said municipal relocation and clean-up operations were merely shifting homeless communities from one area to another.
According to Furlan, the number of people living outside their business premises had increased from a few dozen to several hundred.
A large group previously based along Che Guevara Road was recently relocated following months of clashes with law enforcement and has since settled beneath a bridge on Khuzimpi Shezi Road.
Furlan said crime in the area had increased and warned that deteriorating conditions were driving customers away from local businesses.