Wandile Mthiyane has completed an extraordinary 1 600km walk from Durban to Cape Town to raise awareness about South Africa's housing crisis, which continues to affect thousands of citizens more than three decades into democracy.
On Saturday, June 13, during the final stretch of his journey, Mthiyane stopped at the newly established Safe Sleeping Zone beneath Nelson Mandela Boulevard, adjacent to the Haven Night Shelter branch in District Six. He spent the night there as part of his campaign to draw attention to the challenges faced by people without access to adequate housing.
The Durban-born activist said the journey was inspired in part by his late aunt, who spent years waiting for a Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) house.
"For many years, she waited for an RDP house, and she passed away without ever receiving one. Unfortunately, her story is not unique, as many South Africans are still on housing waiting lists," he said.
The walk also served as a fundraising initiative to help Mthiyane pursue further studies after being accepted into a Master's in Design Engineering programme at Harvard University. In addition, he is the founder of Ubuntu Home, an AI-powered housing platform that provides families with free, build-ready architectural designs tailored to their location.
"I am working to raise awareness about housing while also fundraising for my Harvard studies," he said.
Mthiyane completed the journey over 60 days, relying on the hospitality of host families along the route. Upon arriving in Cape Town, he spent nights in Mitchell's Plain, Gugulethu, and Philippi, ensuring that his experience reflected the realities faced by many communities. He aims to conclude his campaign on Youth Day, commemorated on Tuesday, June 16.
"My message to young people is to reclaim our agency. Nobody is coming to save us. There are no adults in the room who are going to make everything right. We are the change we are waiting for," he said.
Explaining his decision to visit the Safe Sleeping Zone, Mthiyane said secure housing is fundamental to human dignity and opportunity.
"I believe the minimum requirement for someone to have a dream is a dignified place to call home. The work being done here is incredible. It gives people the opportunity to regain their independence, support themselves, and imagine a different future from the one they see on the streets," he said.
The Safe Sleeping Zone was launched earlier this month through a partnership between the Haven Night Shelter and the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID).(“A lifeline for the homeless: New Safe Sleeping Zone opens in District Six, Southern Suburbs Tatler, June 4)
The Haven Night Shelter chief executive officer, Pastor Shaddie Valayadum, said the initiative has already made a significant impact.
"What started as a pilot project between Haven and the CCID has grown rapidly. We have now assisted more than 150 people off the streets, showing what can be achieved when organisations work together," he said.
Valayadum added that Mthiyane had learned about the project and wanted to experience it firsthand.
"We are honoured by his achievements and grateful that he chose to spend time with us and see the work being done here," he said.
CCID social development manager Tara Gerardy-Bissolati said the Safe Sleeping Zone has provided participants with a level of dignity often missing from life on the streets.
"It is incredible what Wandile has achieved. For someone who has accomplished so much to want to spend time here and learn about this initiative is truly inspiring," she said.
For more information about the Safe Sleeping Zone, visit the Haven Night Shelter and the CCID.
To learn more about Mthiyane's journey or contribute towards his studies, visit his GoFundMe fundraising page.
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