Exploring the integration of homeless citizens in the Integrated Development Plan of eThekwini Municipality, the case study of the Qalakabusha project.

Abstract

Street homelessness is recognized as one of the major social issues that is confronted globally, in Africa and South Africa in particular. Less attention is paid to the phenomenon in research, development projects, policies and even lesser attention from academic institutions. Applying qualitative research methods, this research explored the participation of homeless people in development policies using the case study of the Qalakabusha project in Durban and their role in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) of eThekwini Municipality. Convenient sampling was employed to select participants, data was collected through individual/ in-depth and group interviews. Thematic data analytical tool is used to analyses data. A total of 20 participants (homeless individuals) and five Key Informants made up of 2 government officials, and 3 NGO officials took part in the study. The Integrated Development Approach (IDA) informs the arguments presented in this paper. The IDA theoretical framework maintains that communities should inform, drive, and own their development through full participation and decision making on matters affecting their lives. The participants indicated that the major causes for being on the street were poverty, job seeking/ unemployment, family matters and the use of drugs among other drivers. There were different views on the phenomenon as expressed by the street homeless people, government officials, and NGO officials in the effectiveness of the Qalakabusha project. However, some participants believed that the programme has reasonably assisted them regardless of the challenges on the ground such as lack of resources, clashes in the mandates among stakeholders and a lack of the direct participation of homeless people. Most homeless people reported that they did not participate in the IDP and Qalakabusha project initiation process. Some were not sure what government does to assist them, but remembered the brutality and forced removals they experience from Metro police and government security agencies. Government officials argued that homeless people did not directly participate in the IDP and Qalakabusha Project initiation, but were involved during consultations and research was conducted to gather their views. The study explored the participation of homeless people in the development policies intending to raise awareness regarding the involvement of disadvantaged communities in development projects and policies. The study recommended for further research in finding homeless friendly and cost-effective strategies in dealing with homelessness, as well as recommending a multidisciplinary approach in addressing homelessness.