The City’s audit report into the legal status of occupants occupying their 28 properties will be delayed.

In a statement from Mayor Herman Mashaba, the delay wass attributed to the process of appointing an appropriate service provider to conduct the audit across a total of 6862 units under Joscho’s ownership.

The audit, conducted by the appointed service provider, will look into the following factors:
•            That only rightful tenants are occupying the units and that no subletting should be taking place;
•            Determine the nationality of occupants; and
•            Look into socio-economic conditions of occupants (i.e. household income and employment status).

“I instructed that this audit take place after MMC for Housing, Cllr Meshack Van Wyk, Joscho CEO, Christopher Dyani, and Executive Director of Housing, Thabo Maisela, highlighted the above factors as a challenge within the housing space. In particular, communities had alleged that the properties in question were illegally occupied by persons not authorised to live on the properties,” he said.

He elaborated on the administration’s challenges about the city’s housing crisis, one where approximately 300 000 units are required urgently if we are to make inroads against the housing backlog.
He emphasized the importance of returning the rule of law in order for residents of this city to enjoy safe living areas.

He said the audit is one of the ways to ensure that residents enjoy this particular service delivery aspect. “It is for this reason I take pride in the Diphetogo I have brought to this city through Operation Buya Mthetho. This is an open statement to criminals that their reign of terror through criminality will be dealt with without fear or favour,” he elaborated.

He assured residents that he will leave no stone unturned in ridding the city from criminal elements that leave residents vulnerable. He reiterated his commitment to serving residents within the budgetary constraints at our disposal.