CURRENTLY ON AIR ⇒
  • No Show Scheduled

feedback@radioislam.org.za

logo


((( Listen Live )))))
Radio Islam Logo


Devlin Freedom Park Shelter: A Beacon of Hope for the Displaced in Johannesburg

Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
5 December 2024 | 13:08 CAT

​​The City of Johannesburg’s Social Development Department has taken a bold step in addressing homelessness by constructing a shelter for displaced persons in Devland/Freedom Park.

Efforts to address homelessness in Johannesburg have made significant strides, with the construction of a shelter for displaced persons in Devlin Freedom Park. Reaching 50% completion, this project, spearheaded by the City of Johannesburg and the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), promises a sanctuary for 200 displaced individuals, including vulnerable children.

Kenneth Nxumalo, Senior Manager of Marketing, Communication, and PR at JDA, highlighted the rationale behind selecting Devlin as a strategic site. “There is a high need in the area for a safe place for people who are homeless. This centre aims to rebuild lives by providing essential services such as healthcare, counselling, and job placement assistance,” he told Radio Islam International.

The shelter is designed to world-class standards, offering separate accommodations for males and females, an aftercare school facility, and additional amenities to meet the diverse needs of its occupants. Beyond accommodation, the centre aims to serve as a community hub where individuals can access services and regain stability.

In addition to its social impact, the project has contributed to local job creation. Nxumalo confirmed the appointment of eight subcontractors from the area and the employment of four local labourers. “A percentage of the construction value is reserved for the community. This ensures small local businesses benefit from the project,” he explained.

Although the completion date remains tentative, Nxumalo assured that the project is progressing steadily. Once finished, operations will be handed over to the Department of Social Development. They will oversee staffing, security, catering, and other essential services.

The Devlin shelter is a testament to the city’s commitment to addressing the growing homelessness crisis. As Nxumalo aptly concluded, “The lives of people in Devlin will change. This will be a safe haven where individuals can access the support they need to rebuild their lives.”

For now, the city celebrates this milestone, optimistic about the shelter’s profound impact on the region.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsamy and Kenneth Nxumalo, Senior Manager of Marketing, Communication, and PR at JDA, here.

ADVERTISE HERE

Prime Spot!!!

Contact:
advertisingadmin@radioislam.co.za 

Related Articles

Dr Taskeen Fathima Docrat: Researching Rooibos

Dr Taskeen Fathima Docrat: Researching Rooibos

Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za 28 August 2025 3-minute read A scientist turning a proudly South African brew into a weapon against one of the world’s toughest diseases. Dr Taskeen Fathima Docrat from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology is leading...

read more
The Middle East Report

The Middle East Report

Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za 29 August 2025 | 11:41 CAT 3-minute read Gaza ceasefire mediators have diverging objectives While Qatar and Egypt have have persuaded Hamas to accept the month-old ceasefire proposal, the United States and Israel have...

read more
The Media Lens

The Media Lens

28 August 2025 | 10:25 CAT 2-minute read Silencing the Truth: Gaza Journalists Under Fire In today’s segment of the Media Lens, Ibrahim Deen delivered a searing critique of how Western media coverage is quietly facilitating the erosion of press freedom—and, with it,...

read more
The Asia Pacific Report

The Asia Pacific Report

FORUM-ASIA reports shrinking civic space across Asia as HRD crackdowns increase 28 August 2025 | 09:15 CAT 2-minute read In its sixth biennial Defending in Numbers: Reclaiming Civic Space, Unbroken Voices report, released on 14 July 2025, FORUM-ASIA delivers a stark...

read more

Subscribe to our Newsletter

0 Comments