The recent reports of the homeless in Durban being rounded up and dropped off at the outskirts of town are deeply concerning and will do little to address the root causes of this complex issue. Simply displacing these vulnerable individuals is not a sustainable or humane solution – decent facilities need to be arranged where they can be treated with dignity and provided the support necessary to rehabilitate and reintegrate back into society.
Homelessness is a multifaceted problem that requires a comprehensive, compassionate approach. These individuals are not simply statistics, but human beings facing immense challenges. They require access to secure housing, mental health and addiction services, job training programs, and other resources to help them get back on their feet. Forcibly removing them from the city center and abandoning them on the periphery is a shortsighted and cruel response that fails to address the systemic issues driving this crisis.
Local authorities must take immediate action to establish proper shelters, rehabilitation centers, and social services tailored to the unique needs of Durban’s homeless population. Only by providing a humane, holistic solution can we hope to make meaningful progress in supporting these community members and breaking the cycle of homelessness. Anything less is a moral failing that will continue to haunt the conscience of the city.
