Today, 12 March 2019, I participated in multi-disciplinary #BuyaMthetho operation within region Region B, focusing on the areas of Brixton and Westdene, intended to assist with by-law enforcement within the area.
Specifically, I visited a number of hijacked and so-called bad properties which community members had raised concerns about within the areas.
Indeed, one of the properties has issued dating back to 2009 and it has been continually raided since, with various citations being directed to the owner.
Without fail, the 6 properties identified today, including the infamous 10A in Westdene appear to have all been hijacked, with the slum lords benefiting from residents living in inhumane conditions within the properties.
Indeed, I am advised that three of the properties are said to belong to a single individual who continues to not only evade taking responsibility for the properties but also consistently evaded our policing authorities. It alleged that he owns 60 other properties within the City which are in a similar condition.
Cumulatively, the properties forming part of today’s operation are said to owe the City in excess of R5 million.
Following the visit to the area, I have instructed the City to begin investigating the process for expropriating these properties for the purpose of ensuring that they are developed into affordable, safe and quality accommodation for some of our poorest residents.
Indeed, some of these properties are located close to institutions of learning within the City and would ideally serve as quality affordable accommodation for students.
In addition, I have requested that the City, including the our Department of Social Development, working together with JMPD, SAPS, and immigration officers from the Department of Home Affairs, conduct an audit of persons living within the identified properties.
It is vital that we profile occupants living in these buildings and ensure that support is provided to those most in need.
Ultimately, it is essential that we bring back the rule of law in our City and take it back from the criminal elements such as sum landlords who take advantage of desperate people and house them under deplorable conditions.
I want to see rundown buildings turned into quality low cost housing for our residents.
Cllr Herman Mashaba
Executive Mayor
City of Johannesburg
Media Queries:
Luyanda Mfeka
Director: Mayoral Communications
Office of the Executive Mayor
Cell: 076 171 5978
Email: luyandam@joburg.org.za
