Towards the development of a contextualised homelessness policy: a Durban case study

Abstract

People living on the streets and in shelters in Durban and other major South African cities face numerous challenges. The eThekwini Municipality currently does not have a comprehensive policy to prevent and mitigate homelessness in the city. Instead, the city has programmatic responses to subgroups of this population. In this policy brief, we reflect on policies implemented in other South African cities and draw on insights from a recent study on homelessness in Durban that was funded by the municipality. In light of these findings, we highlight how information on the local context, together with policies of other cities, could feed into a policymaking process in Durban. Finally, we make recommendations on how such a process could operate.