Sakhithemba Shelter Project: Empowering the homeless in eThekwini

eThekwini Municipality says progress is well underway on its planned shelter project, which will provide safe accommodation, skills development, job opportunities, and access to essential social services for people experiencing homelessness.

The Sakhithemba Shelter Project is currently under construction in Illovu, south of Durban.

“The Sakhithemba Shelter is more than a roof over one’s head. It represents dignity, opportunity and a pathway to economic inclusion for the homeless. We are ensuring that the facility meets all required standards and that residents are kept informed about the project,” said Myeni,

She further highlighted her concerns about the allegations of sabotage, sharing that some individuals want to discredit the campaign and the project to try to rally the community against it.

“We will not allow misinformation or divisive tactics to derail a project that is designed to uplift and empower,” said Deputy Mayor Councillor Zandile Myeni.

This project will enhance skills development and will provide safe accommodation for those who will benefit from it. It will create job opportunities, access to social services, professional social workers, a library and learnership programmes for the homeless. All this is in line with the eThekwini Municipality sustainable empowerment initiatives to under-privileged communities.

 A broader empowerment strategy will also be initiated by the eThekwini Municipality to support small business developments. The deputy mayor assured residents that the closeness of shelter to the school will not compromise safety and that large procedures to protect all stakeholders are in place.

In light of the world observing world homeless day, eThekwini’s effort shows a great promise of the importance of collaborative community rooted solutions, assuring that no one is left behind.

IOL