Homeless people demand answers from parties ahead of local elections

Homeless individuals in Durban are demanding answers from political parties ahead of the local elections on November 4. The Denis Hurley Centre, a civic organization, presented the 2026 National Homeless Manifesto to representatives from the ANC, DA, EFF, and MK Party. The manifesto, which was launched on World Homeless Day, calls for more shelters, improved access to health services, better sanitation, equal treatment under the law, and increased economic opportunities for the homeless.

Sipho Hlongwane, a homeless person who participated in the event, expressed frustration towards the ANC, accusing the party of only caring about homeless people during election times. Hlongwane mentioned that he was denied a municipal job despite completing a bricklaying apprenticeship because he lacked a registered address. The manifesto also addresses safety concerns, with several homeless individuals alleging abuse by Durban metro police officers and private security hired by the municipality.

GroundUp previously reported on an incident where security guards beaten a homeless man using security camera footage.

Denis Hurley Centre director Raymond Perrier expressed satisfaction that homeless people have been given a platform to voice their concerns. DA ward councillor Zoë Solomon, who is also a member of the eThekwini municipality’s Safer City unit, stated that more safe spaces should be established in Durban for homeless people to sleep without fear of attack or having their belongings confiscated.

She has reported incidents of assault and abuse by police and security to the municipality, but no action has been taken. The EFF's Thabani Miya apologized for the municipality's consistent failure to support homeless people, calling for more government intervention and funding to help them access housing and employment.