Denis Hurley Centre shares platform for politicians and homeless to engage
The National Homeless Manifesto is a countrywide project of the National Homeless Network that comprises of 40 organisations from 15 towns and cities across the country.
IN the build-up to the eThekwini Municipal elections next month, the homeless community was invited to engage with South Africa’s major political parties at the Denis Hurley Centre (DHC) on Thursday, October 21.
Politicians attending the event were given the opportunity to present their plans to manage and improve homelessness in Durban, while the homeless community was afforded a platform to raise their concerns.
Speaking at the event, DHC’s director, Raymond Perrier urged the homeless community to exercise their right to vote.
Also read: NPO’s highlight Durban’s homeless in upcoming election
“This has been a fantastic opportunity in participatory democracy. We have a room full of voters, and they happen to be homeless, but they are citizens. They had a chance to ask questions directly to members of four political parties: the DA, ANC, Action SA, and IFP. Sadly, the EFF and ATM, though they confirmed they were coming, failed to pitch,” he added.
Neo Vilikazi, who attended the event, is currently homeless.
“The situation here in Durban is sad for homeless people. When you want to have a voice, no one listens to you, especially on the street,” he said.
Also read:Voter’s rights highlighted ahead of World Homeless Day
Another member of the homeless community, Nkosingiphile Dlamini said the government offers little assistance to the homeless.
“Some people end up in jail and some people die because they can’t find food. They end up doing wrong things like stealing. Not because they are criminals, but because they are desperate. The only people helping us are the Muslim people and NGO’s. They give us clothes and food,” added Dlamini.
The DHC recently asked all parties and candidates in the elections to sign up to the National Homeless Manifesto.
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