Homeless advocates present 2026 Manifesto to political parties

Ahead of the local government elections on 4 November, representatives from several political parties, including the ANC, DA, EFF, and MK Party, were presented with the 2026 National Homeless Manifesto. Hosted by the Denis Hurley Centre in eThekwini, the presentation served as a platform for homeless individuals to voice their demands to incoming municipal leadership.

The manifesto outlines several key requirements for the government, such as increased numbers of shelters, improved access to sanitation and health services, equal treatment under the law, and expanded economic opportunities.

During the meeting, tensions arose when Sipho Hlongwane, a resident experiencing homelessness, accused ANC representative and eThekwini Municipality Council Speaker Thabani Nyawose of only showing concern for the homeless community during election cycles. Nyawose responded by stating he was invited for discussion rather than to face accusations.