The City of Johannesburg's Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Human Settlements, Cllr Mlungisi Mabaso, along with officials from the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) and law enforcement agencies, recently led a property compliance operation in Orange Grove after residents complained about alleged illegal activities on several properties.

The operation forms part of the City's ongoing efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the occupation and use of properties, while ensuring that municipal assets are used lawfully and in accordance with approved processes.

During the inspection, officials verified who is occupying the identified properties, determined the basis on which occupants came to reside there, and established whether such occupation is authorised. The findings will assist the City in taking appropriate action where non-compliance is identified.

As South Africa's economic hub, Johannesburg is home to more than 4.8 million residents and approximately 1.84 million households, placing significant pressure on land, housing and municipal property management systems. According to JPC, the entity manages about 29,000 properties on behalf of the City, underscoring the importance of protecting public assets and ensuring they are used for their intended purposes.

Cllr Mabaso reaffirmed the City's commitment to enforcing the law and restoring order in communities. “The City of Johannesburg will not tolerate lawlessness or the unlawful occupation and misuse of properties. No one is above the law. We have a responsibility to protect public assets, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that all properties are occupied and utilised in accordance with legal and approved processes. Where wrongdoing is identified, the City will act decisively and within the law."

The City will continue conducting similar inspections across Johannesburg as part of broader efforts to strengthen governance, safeguard municipal assets and improve the quality of life for residents.

Written by Sibonelo Mtshali
15/09/2026 
 
Recommended for you:
Joburg attracts additional R10 billion property investment
Joburg puts land out to tender
More informal settlements to be upgraded
 

To stay informed about the latest developments in the City, connect with us on:
X: @CityofJoburgZA
Facebook: City of Joburg
Instagram: @CityofJoburg
TikTok: @CityofJoburg
Threads: @cityofjoburg
LinkedIn: City of Johannesburg
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CityOfJoburgZA/videos