Tensions have escalated in the Sidcham area due to intentions to convert the residential Salamat apartment on Randalls Road into a student dormitory. On Monday morning, residents and local officials held a demonstration in front of the building, displaying protest signs.
The company responsible for the building stated that renovations are currently underway and a final decision has not yet been made. Ward 31 council member Remona Mackenzie emphasized that they oppose the unauthorized placement of students. She noted that proper procedure must be followed, including submitting applications to building inspection and municipal planning, as well as ensuring public participation.
Mackenzie stated: 'We speak as a community and as a council member: enough. We are tired of buildings appearing without consultation with us.' She insists that municipal planning must ensure that the developer or building owner adheres to established procedures.
Mackenzie reported that some residents were served notices requiring them to vacate their homes due to plans for conversion into student accommodation. Eugene Appenach, a member of the Sidcham Taxpayers Association executive committee and a member of the Community Watch Forum executive committee, expressed concerns about the local infrastructure's capacity to handle such an influx. He noted that the area was not designed for this, and old infrastructure leads to collapses, electrical problems, water outages, sanitation issues, and illegal dumping.
Ruth Bakton, a Sidcham resident and senior citizen, stated that forcibly evicting local residents for students is unacceptable. She stressed that this is their home, and they will not allow students to occupy it by force, especially since it is unauthorized.
Heinz de Boer, a member of the Etobicoke Municipal Planning Appeals Committee, noted that the resolution stating that student dormitories must be strictly regulated was recognized. He called for an investigation into the matter. De Boer explained that while it might not be a zoning change, it should require a special consent where the public had the opportunity to voice its opinion. He criticized the practice of developers erecting buildings before completion and then seeking approval.
He added that at the last municipal planning committee meeting, this resolution was unanimously adopted by all political parties and will now be reviewed by the municipal planning committee or the economic development and planning committee. Iqbal Muhammad, operations manager at Tradeport Distribution, reported that the building was undergoing repairs at the time of the work, and there was no intention of converting it into a dormitory. He clarified that a decision would be made after the repairs were completed, and although they were approached with a proposal to create a dormitory, no decisions had been made, and any such change would require adherence to proper procedure.
Residents of the Sherwood area in Durban have expressed serious concern regarding the planned construction of the Palestine House SA Human Rights Center on residential land. This complex, which is intended to include both indoor and outdoor exhibition space, a training academy, a media center, and a cafe, is causing controversy among local residents.
The Sherwood Residents Association (SRA) sent official correspondence to Palestine House SA, pointing out several shortcomings. The main point of contention was the lack of a detailed written description of the intended use of the Browns Grove site, including both temporary and long-term plans. Furthermore, SRA noted that they were not provided with a traffic management plan.
SRA stated that some concerns raised by the committee at the meeting in January 2026 remained unaddressed. The Association also reported being informed of instructions to cease further communication with SRA, which is viewed as contradicting the principles of transparency declared by the center. Due to the lack of communication, SRA was forced to seek clarification from the municipal building inspection.
SRA clarified that, as far as they know, no building plans have been submitted to the relevant authorities, nor has there been a zoning change for the site to the declared purpose. However, the Association emphasized that it does not object in principle to the creation of a temporary facility, recognizing the concept as a 'noble initiative.' Nevertheless, SRA believes that the implementation process itself undermines the principles the center aims to promote.
A representative of Palestine House SA, Shabnam Palasa Mohammed, explained that the organization is independent and manages its affairs autonomously. She assured that plans have been submitted and the zoning change application is under review. Mohammed stressed that Palestine House SA will not commence operations until these plans are approved. In the interim, they continue to hold events such as film screenings and youth skills development training with partners.
Mohammed also assured that visits would be organized through online booking, and the site has sufficient parking space for visitors. She added that a traffic impact assessment will be conducted if required by the municipality. She mentioned that after two meetings where the plans were presented and a tour for SRA representatives, the situation deteriorated, prompting SRA to approach the building inspector, resulting in a halt to work.
Palasa Mohammed also noted that the site is not a gated community, and Palestine House SA is not part of SRA, and all actions comply with local council regulations. She stated that she respects the residents' right to make specific comments to the council and is open to engagement. She emphasized that the team works on a voluntary basis, also engaging in food distribution for the homeless and conducting art classes for youth, and sincerely believes that the center will improve human rights in Durban and South Africa.
