The Sherwood Residents Association in Durban (SRA) expressed its concerns regarding the proposed Palestine House SA Centre for Human Rights, highlighting potential impacts on the residential area.
The SRA’s point of contention in its correspondence with Palestine House SA was that it was not given a written and detailed outline of the intended use of the Browns Grove property, including both interim and long-term plans.
Also, a traffic management plan was not made available.
An old house on the property has been refurbished and is expected to house an indoor/outdoor exhibition, a learning academy, a media hub, and a coffee shop.
The SRA said several concerns raised by the committee in a meeting in January 2026 were not addressed.
“We have also been informed that instructions were given to withhold further communication with the SRA, which is concerning and inconsistent with the spirit of transparency conveyed during the engagement,” the SRA stated.
It said that due to a lack of communication, it was compelled to seek guidance from the municipal building inspectorate.
“At present, we understand that no building plans have been submitted to the relevant authorities, nor has the property been rezoned for its intended use. We wish to clarify that the SRA does not object in principle to the establishment of a temporary facility,” the SRA stated.
“Indeed, the concept itself is acknowledged as a noble initiative. However, the handling of the process to date undermines the principles the centre aims to promote.”
Image: Shabnam Palesa Mohamed
The SRA stated in its letter to the organisation that, as immediate neighbours and stakeholders, it reasonably expected consultation to have occurred at the outset.
Warren Burne, eThekwini Ward 30 DA councillor, said he sent a list of questions to the municipality’s land use management department to find out if building work was done in accordance with the current zoning of the site.
Shabnam Palesa Mohamed, spokesperson and Trustee for Palestine House SA, said it was an independent organisation responsible for managing itself.
Mohamed said plans have been submitted and the rezoning application was being processed. She said Palestine House SA had no intention of operating there until such plans have been approved.
In the interim, they will continue to host events such as film screenings and initiatives like youth skills training with partners who support their vision for a human rights centre.
“As we explained in good-faith meetings with SRA representatives, visits will be managed via online bookings. The property has sufficient space for visitor parking. A traffic impact assessment will be undertaken if our municipality requires it,” she said.
Mohamed said two meetings were held and plans for the centre were openly presented, including taking SRA representatives on a tour of the intended space and welcoming them to share ideas. She said the situation had since deteriorated, and the SRA approached the building inspector, causing renovations to stop.
Mohamed added that the property was not a gated estate, Palestine House SA was not an SRA member, and they were complying with council by-laws.
“Residents adjacent to the property have a right to make specific objections to council; we respect that right and will engage them then. The core Palestine House team works as part-time volunteers and is involved in other work such as food distribution for the homeless and art classes for young people. We genuinely believe that this centre will enhance human rights in Durban and South Africa, providing empowerment opportunities for youth and elders,” Mohamed explained.
She pointed out that, given the violation of children’s rights in multiple countries, including South Africa’s crisis levels of unemployment, they were eager to begin planning and could not delay this critical project.
She said Durban deserved this human rights centre, with an art exhibition space, skills training, and a library of free books.
