Article: Lonwabo Mtyeku – GP News Media, Community Newsroom | 22 October 2025
Johannesburg, 16 October 2025 – The City of Johannesburg’s MMC for Human Settlements, Councillor Mlungisi Mabaso, has spearheaded a major demolition operation in Cleveland aimed at removing illegal structures and reclaiming unlawfully occupied City-owned land.
The multi-agency operation forms part of the City’s ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of informal structures and hijacked buildings, which continue to pose serious safety, health, and infrastructure challenges in Johannesburg’s inner-city and surrounding areas.
According to Mabaso, the City’s stance is clear — municipal property must be used lawfully and in line with its intended purpose. “We are reclaiming our properties for legitimate tenants and ensuring that public assets serve the community as they were meant to. Those occupying illegally or misusing City buildings will face firm action,” he said.
The Cleveland operation targeted several unauthorised constructions that had been erected without approval or safety compliance. Many were being used for informal commercial activities or makeshift dwellings, with no access to basic services such as water, sanitation, or electricity. The City has since cleared the sites and reinforced security to prevent reoccupation.
Mabaso emphasised that the crackdown is not merely about demolition but about restoring order, protecting lawful tenants, and ensuring safer living conditions. He added that the City continues to work on providing alternative housing solutions for residents affected by similar operations across Johannesburg.
Illegal occupation and building hijackings remain one of the most pressing challenges facing the City. Many of the affected buildings, previously owned or managed by the municipality, have been taken over by illegal syndicates who extort rent from desperate residents.
“This administration is serious about reclaiming the inner city,” Mabaso concluded. “Our goal is to restore dignity, safety, and accountability — and ensure that Johannesburg remains a city of opportunity for all.”
The City has committed to securing all cleared sites with 24-hour guards and plans to redevelop reclaimed spaces for legitimate residential and commercial use as part of its broader inner-city revitalisation drive