The City of Johannesburg conducted a joint law enforcement operation on Wednesday 21st January 2026, targeting two properties in Region E suspected of operating illegally and in contravention of municipal by-laws and national legislation.

The operation involved officials from multiple City departments, including Public Safety, Joburg Water, Development Planning, Social Development, and other law enforcement agencies.

The Office of the Executive Mayor, Councillor Dada Morero, has noted with concern the media statement issued today by the MMC for Transport, Councillor Kenny Kunene, regarding the suspension of the Rea Vaya feeder bus services in Soweto.

The Executive Mayor rejects the assertion that the matter was handled “unilaterally,” without consultation or technical advice. Such claims are misleading and do not accurately reflect the processes followed within the City of Johannesburg. As members of the Mayoral Committee, we are bound by collective responsibility.

The City of Johannesburg has recorded a serious and deliberate breach of municipal by-laws following the reinstallation of an illegal outdoor advertising sign associated with Centrefold Media (outdoor media owner) as well as Naked Insurance, after the advert was lawfully removed by the City last week during an authorised enforcement operation.

The City regards the reinstallation of the advert as a wilful act of non-compliance and defiance of lawful enforcement, executed with full knowledge that the advertising was unauthorised. This conduct constitutes a repeat offence and an aggravating factor under applicable municipal by-laws and enforcement frameworks.

The City of Johannesburg’s Spatial Development Framework (SDF) 2040 is translating longterm spatial policy into tangible action, with Soweto emerging as a clear example of this vision in practice.

A key priority of the SDF 2040 is unlocking Soweto as a fully integrated and economically active city district. This strategic objective seeks to transform Soweto through the introduction of mixed land uses, economically productive activities, and enhanced social infrastructure, supported by efficient public transport systems and a connected street network.

The City of Johannesburg’s Environment & Infrastructure Services Department (EISD) provides feedback following numerous complaints received regarding a strong sulphur-like odour experienced across various parts of the city. These complaints, which were widely reported in both mainstream media and on social media platforms, were formally brought to the attention of the Department on 16 January 2026.

Residents in areas including Sandton, Randburg, Roodepoort, Fourways, and Parktown reported experiencing a strong, pungent smell initially believed to be sulphur related. The extent of the reports prompted the City to initiate an investigation.

The City of Johannesburg reaffirms its zero-tolerance stance toward any interference with municipal operations, including the intimidation of officials and the incitement of violence against City employees.

Earlier today, a suspect was arrested during a City Power–led electricity and water disconnection operation in Nancefield, Lenasia, after allegedly threatening City officials and encouraging residents to obstruct lawful enforcement actions.

The City of Johannesburg’s City Manager, Dr Floyd Brink, conducted an oversight visit this morning to the Johannesburg Water Depot in Randburg, where a major upgrade project is currently underway.

The visit formed part of the City’s ongoing efforts to monitor progress on critical infrastructure projects being implemented by the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA).

The Office of the Executive Mayor, Councillor Dada Morero, today undertook decisive enforcement action as part of the Mayoral High-Impact Service Delivery Programme in the Johannesburg inner city. The operation is focused on restoring compliance, recovering revenue owed to the City, and protecting critical electricity infrastructure. As part of today’s intervention, City Power disconnected two major inner-city businesses — a prominent Hillbrow nightclub and a shopping complex with residential flats — after they accumulated a combined electricity debt of nearly R25 million.

This enforcement forms part of the City of Johannesburg’s ongoing High-Impact Service Delivery intervention targeting persistent non-payment, illegal electricity connections, and electricity-related criminality that undermine service delivery and strain the power network. City Power remains resolute in recovering more than R10 billion owed to the City, including approximately R3.2 billion owed by customers in inner-city supply areas. These measures are essential to safeguarding the integrity of the electricity grid and ensuring that law-abiding, paying customers are not unfairly burdened by those who continue to evade payment and engage in unlawful activity.

The City of Johannesburg embarked on a targeted enforcement operation on January 13, 2026, aimed at combatting the alarming rise of illegal outdoor advertising throughout the metropolis. This decisive action is a response to increasing public safety concerns and a commitment to uphold municipal by-laws governing outdoor advertising practices.

The operation involved multiple City departments working collaboratively to identify and remove unauthorised advertising structures that have not only taken root unlawfully but are often connected to illegal electricity sources. This poses significant safety hazards, potentially endangering both motorists and pedestrians.