Amanzimtoti locals slam former drug addict for establishing homeless haven they say attracts criminals

Lester Kiewit speaks to Johnny Swanepoel, founder of Wanderers Haven in Amanzimtoti, about the Tidy Towns initiative which seeks to uplift the area and keep beggars off the streets.

Listen below.

ALSO READ:  'You lose your dignity. It's frightening': Grandmom on being homeless for 12 years

Five years ago, Johnny Swanepoel started Wanderers Haven, a Durban-based NPO that assists families needing shelter, employment or substance misuse support.

But now Swanepoel's work is being criticized by locals of south coast tourist spot Amanzimtoti who say it's attracting a criminal element.

The Tidy Towns initiative was born after residents in the area got tired of living with run-down facilities along their scenic coastline.

The Amanzimtoti arm of the project wants to remove people begging at a major interchange. They say it's impacting local businesses.

Swanepoel says there is still a lot of misunderstanding, misconceptions and stigma around homelessness.

"It's hard out there..."

- Johnny Swanepoel, Founder- Wanderers Haven

He says his own experiences have allowed him to connect with the people he tries to help.

"I'm a person who can talk with these guys because I was a drug addict for 10 years... We walk a path with these guys to give them identity."

- Johnny Swanepoel, Founder- Wanderers Haven

Swanepoel says he believes opening the facility was a spiritual calling.

"Five years ago, He [God] gave me this vision and asked me to do it for Him."

He says some of the people at the robots are not begging, but rather looking for piecemeal work.

"There's about 100 plus guys standing next to the road for somebody to come and pick them up for a paint job, or a tile job or a cleaning job... So, they all will sit there until about 3 pm..."

- Johnny Swanepoel, Founder- Wanderers Haven

From there, says Swanepoel, the men will make their way to his facility for a hot meal.

"... 80% of the people that come for the feeding, they don't sit and have a meal,  they bring containers and take it to their family..."

Johnny Swanepoel, Founder- Wanderers Haven

Scroll up to listen to the full conversation.

ALSO READ: 'Cape Town's homeless turning to petty crimes for shelter and warm meals at Pollsmoor Prison'