From haircuts to hot meals: How Life Changer brought hope to Pietermaritzburg's homeless

Members of Pietermaritzburg-based Life Changer described it as a privilege to spend time on the streets, connecting and sharing with people on World Homeless Day on Friday. 

Life Changer works with the homeless and youths vulnerable to the streets, to help them find a place where they belong, said project manager Simphiwe Nasha. Life Changer believes everyone deserves dignity, safety, and to experience God's love for them. A project under the One Life Foundation.

Nasha explained that together with churches, businesses, and the Pietermaritzburg (PMB) Homeless Network, an annual lunch was planned for the street community. He said the homeless community responded well to these events with approximately 400 meals served at this event. 

“It was a day filled with good food, games, care, and connection. Each plate shared is a story of dignity and hope. It is also a way to inform the homeless that we see them. A local salon offered to give free haircuts as well. We see many laughs and smiles together,” Nasha said. 

Meanwhile in eThekwini, the municipality stated that progress was made on the Sakhithemba Homeless Shelter currently under construction in Illovo, south of Durban.

Deputy Mayor councillor Zandile Myeni, in her capacity as chairperson of the Security and Emergency Services committee, said the 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.

The shelter will offer safe accommodation, skills development, job opportunities, and access to social services, including professional social workers, a library, and learnership programmes for the homeless.

She also expressed concern about allegations of sabotage, stating that some individuals have embarked on a deliberate campaign to discredit the project and rally the community against it. 

“We will not allow misinformation or divisive tactics to derail a project that is designed to uplift and empower,” she said.

Myeni assured residents that the shelter’s proximity to a school will not compromise safety, and that robust procedures are in place to protect all stakeholders.

The R13.6 million shelter will offer safe accommodation, skills development, job opportunities, and access to social services, including professional  social workers, a library, and learnership programmes for the homeless.

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za