2011-12-01: City to study implications of Constitutional Court judgement

2011-12-01: City to study implications of Constitutional Court judgement

THE City of Johannesburg has taken note of the judgement by the Constitutional Court in the "Blue Moonlight case."

The judgement has serious implications – not only for Johannesburg, but also for all local government in South Africa.

The interpretation of the judgement is currently being studied by the city's legal counsel, especially with regards to the finding that the City is obliged to provide temporary accommodation to people evicted by private landowners.

The decision has a potential impact on the City's budgets and might have a knock-on effect on future decisions taken with regards to finances and revenue.

The city will also ask counsel to advise it on the implications for local authorities to pass and enforce by-laws – including action against landlords who own unsafe buildings which place the lives of occupants in grave danger.

The City notes the Court's findings with regards to its housing policy and will comment further on this issue, once the full judgement has been studied.

Issued by:

Gabu Tugwana

Communication Director

Public Liaison Department

Office of the Executive Mayor

Cell: 0824955673

email: gabut@joburg.org.za