Emails seen by Fourways Review, shared by Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy on November 21, reveal his growing frustration with the City’s lack of response to what he says is a worsening and long-standing problem: the movement of people from the Ginger Farm settlement onto the K60 Chilli Lane area, which is also an informal settlement.

Read more: Sunninghill on edge as informal settlement behind Chilli Lane spreads

According to Reddy, the City of Johannesburg’s obligation to enforce a court order at Ginger Farm has resulted in displaced individuals shifting to nearby land, creating a new hotspot for illegal occupation.

He said he has reported this migration repeatedly over the past two weeks, but received no intervention from Region A Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (CRUM).

In response to Reddy’s email, which he cc’d Fourways Review on November 25, Lesego Semakane, who is a manager from Region A CRUM, acknowledged the seriousness of the matter.

“I have noticed the intensity of its context. Kindly allow me an opportunity to take guidance from the CRUM Executive Management. Furthermore, I will conduct a site inspection in order to enlighten on the current situation.”

Reddy’s emails show he has been raising the issue since the start of his term four years ago, with his predecessor having dealt with it for several years before that.

He is now calling for an urgent meeting with Region A CRUM, Human Settlements, and JMPD’s By-law Management Unit to determine a coordinated plan of action.

He further proposes a joint operation with JMPD and SAPS as an interim measure to deter further settlement on K60 Chilli Lane.

Also read: Sunninghill unites for World Cleanup Day at Chilli Lane

Reddy stressed that the Sunninghill and Paulshof communities, along with local businesses, are willing to help secure the land through fencing and security measures, measures he believes are essential to prevent further incursions.

“We cannot continue to allow the flagrant abuse of land rights by illegal occupation or the transference of one problem area to another.”

He urged the city to act swiftly to clear the K60 land, clean the area, and fence it off. He added that while the community has already secured funding for the fence, installation can only begin once the land is cleared.

According to Reddy, people currently living on the K60 do so in ‘deplorable conditions,’ surrounded by waste, pollution from illegal dumping and burning, and contamination from a cement furniture manufacturer.

He also warned that the upcoming K60 road project could trigger further influx onto the land if no preventative measures are put in place.

“The lack of preventative action has previously resulted in camps like these exploding to uncontrollable proportions. Failure to take any action to prevent the spreading of the squatter problem is a testament to complicity in illegal land occupation. And I know that isn’t the case, as we all want what’s best for the city and our residents.”

Reddy is now awaiting feedback following Semakane’s acknowledgement and the planned site inspection.

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