A property on Gladys Mazibuko Road in Essenwood, whose current owner has vanished, has been a problem for over six years. Once pleasing to the eye, it has lately become a haven for the wandering homeless and fast-breeding rodents. Overgrown grass, human waste, and dumped material are visible on site.

A neighbouring senior couple spoke on condition of anonymity, decrying the ordeal they have faced over the years. They have been in the area for 20 years and have seen the best and the worst.

“This has always been a great area to live and do business, until about six years ago, when the once aesthetic property started showing signs of abandonment. Although the walls are still standing, doors and window frames are now missing. The overgrown bush has become a haven for rats, which find their way to our own yards. We have become professional rat busters.

“We have tried all we can to contact the current owner, without success. Although there is a security guard around the clock along the street, we have on numerous occasions heard noises that sound like the homeless either seeking shelter or helping themselves to what they can find.
“Another issue is that people have found the spot to be a dumpsite. Over the years, we have tried to remove what we can, but that costs money to keep up,” the neighbours said.

What worsens the situation is that some of the neighbours are looking into selling their properties, but “after viewing, potential buyers are discouraged by the sight of the abandoned house and possible safety concerns”.
The current state of the property has the neighbours worried, specifically about the impact on their property values.

“We are stuck in infinity. We cannot sell, and we cannot get the abandoned house to be kept in a good state. All we need is for the owner to maintain the house. Or have the municipality compel them to do so. We have informed the local councillor of our ordeal, and at this point, that is all we can do.”

Ward 27 councillor Ernest Smith confirmed that he was aware of the problematic matter. “I’ve asked the Building Inspectorate at eThekwini Municipality to investigate and contact the owners,” Smith said. All the neighbours hope for is for either the owner to come forward or the municipality to take legal action against them.

Also read: City, Public Works move to eradicate derelict buildings

EThekwini Municipality Responds

“The Municipality is aware of the dilapidated building in question. The Building Inspector has issued notices regarding its condition and is in the process of handing the matter over to the Problem Buildings Division for further intervention.
This property is being considered as a ‘Problem Building’ for resolution in Quarter 3 (January to March 2026) by the Problem Buildings Division. The owner will be traced, and relevant notices will be served. Should the owner fail to comply, remedial action will follow.”

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