The City of Johannesburg has launched a decisive campaign to stamp out non-compliance in its inner-city Region F, targeting illegal occupants and defaulting tenants in City-owned buildings. The operation, led by the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Human Settlements in the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Mlungisi Mabaso, in partnership with the Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSHCO) and the Johannesburg Metro Police Department, was part of a broader strategy to reclaim municipal assets and restore lawful, revenue-generating use.
Audits revealed widespread violations, including tenants without valid leases, rental defaulters, and unlawful subletting. Mabaso stressed that such practices directly undermine the City’s revenue base, with JOSHCO alone owed more than R2.5 million in unpaid rentals. He condemned the economic crime of non-payment, noting that some operators are not registered with the South African Revenue Service, depriving both the City and the national fiscus of critical funds
“Illegal subletting emerged as a major issue, with ‘middlemen’ exploiting shadow economies while sidelining legitimate South African entrepreneurs. Our inspections further showed that most commercial shops in these buildings are run by foreign nationals, despite government programmes designed to support local businesses,” said Cllr Mabaso.
He urged qualifying South Africans to step forward and legally occupy these spaces, ensuring fair opportunity and inclusive growth. To enforce compliance, defaulting tenants and illegal occupants have been served with three-month notices to vacate. Beyond rental losses, the City highlighted additional burdens such as uncollected refuse, which creates health hazards and strains municipal services.
“This crackdown is positioned as a cornerstone of Johannesburg’s inner city renewal plan. By removing unlawful occupants, the City aims to refurbish and repurpose its buildings for compliant tenants who contribute positively to the economy and community. Johannesburg is open for business, but only for those who respect the law,” MMC Mabaso said.
Written by S’duduzo Dludla