​Yesterday, 25 February 2019, I joined the City of Johannesburg's urban inspectors in Region B on their weekly Visible Service Delivery Blitz, visiting 5 problem properties in Industria and surrounding areas.

The urban inspectors had been to each of the five properties before, one of which was residential, issuing non-compliance notices and prohibition notices, but to no avail. The owners of these properties and businesses continue to ignore interventions by the City, which often come to our attention through concerned and frustrated neighbours or residents.

Yesterday's blitz was conducted in partnership with the Departments of Home Affairs and Labour, leading to us closing down one illegally operating businesses and issuing notices to comply. Two other businesses and a residential area had suspiciously closed before we arrived.

The by-law contraventions at these properties clearly endangered the lives of people living and working in them. Offences ranged from illegal accommodation, lack of permits, health hazards, illegal electricity connections, building control violations, lack of occupational health permits and the employment of undocumented immigrants. The undocumented immigrants were arrested and taken to Joburg Central Police Station to be processed.    

The City is seriously concerned about the complete disregard of our by-laws and the country's laws in general. By conducting the weekly Visible Service Delivery Blitz and closing down businesses that fail to comply, we are making sure that the rule of law is returned to the city. We will not tolerate any form of lawlessness in the City of Joburg.

The weekly Visible Service Delivery Blitz by our urban inspectors will continue every week as we aim to have every business operating within the City of Johannesburg compliant with its by-laws. 

The goal is to create an environment where our residents are happy with their surroundings and business can flourish. No stone will be left unturned to ensure that this happens without breaking the law. 

Joburg residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or by-law contraventions to 0860 65 28 74 or 011 375 5555. 

Cllr Ntombi Khumalo

MMC for Group Corporate and Shared Services 

City of Johannesburg

For media queries:

Karabo Seane

Stakeholder Manager: Group Corporate and Shared Services

Tel: 011 407 6400 - email: karabosea@joburg.org.za

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