An informal settlement on a Gauteng Provincial road reserve behind Chilli Lane Shopping Centre in Sunninghill has sparked growing tension between residents and the community.

The Sunninghill Ratepayers Association has raised concerns about crime, health risks, and environmental damage.

Read more: Clay Oven informal settlement waste site finally gets government attention

“Our area is directly affected by the unlawful occupation of a Gauteng Provincial road reserve, namely the K60 (Van der Bijl Drive). While a portion of the road has been completed, a large section remains unfinished. It is along this section that illegal squatting has taken root. The consequences for our suburb have been severe, with serious social, economic, environmental, and safety impacts,” said Linda Gildenhuys, chairperson of the Sunninghill Ratepayers Association.

Among the issues raised are ongoing fires, cable theft, rat infestations, and increasing crime, including smash-and-grab incidents at Rivonia Road traffic lights. Gildenhuys also mentioned environmental concerns from waste management practices.

“The Sandspruit River is now being polluted due to the lack of toilets and waste management services. People occupying the land call themselves waste pickers or recyclers, but instead of cleaning, they raid the recycling bags left out for Pikitup, creating an enormous mess. Much of the waste that cannot be sold is dumped back at the road reserve or ends up in the river,” she said.

Also read: Councillor petitions city to act over informal settlements

Businesses, including Chilli Lane Shopping Centre, are feeling the impact as well. “Perceptions of crime and insecurity are reducing foot traffic, which threatens jobs and economic growth,” said Gildenhuys.
Despite repeated appeals, the association claims its concerns have been ignored. “Our concerns have fallen on deaf ears at JMPD by-law enforcement and the province,” she said.

However, residents of the informal settlement shared a different perspective with Fourways Review. Malebogeng Heidiwessie, who has lived there for 11 years, said many people came to the area to find work. “It makes it easy for us to job hunt,” she explained.

@caxtonjoburgnorth The informal settlement behind Chilli Lane in Sunninghill is raising alarm over crime, pollution, and safety risks. Residents plead for housing and basic services, while neighbours report worsening living conditions and economic impact. Video: Ayanda Ntshingila #informalsettlement #Fourways ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

Another resident, Ellis Samora, said, “We are waste pickers and recyclers, and we don’t know anything about crime.”

Heidiwessie acknowledged that many living in the settlement are undocumented, which makes finding jobs difficult. Both residents called on the city for help with proper housing and services.

Ward 93 councillor Vinno Reddy confirmed that there have been squatters living on the K60 for almost a decade. “My predecessors and I have been working tirelessly with the city to clear the land of informal dwellers who are primarily waste recyclers.

Apart from occupying the land and sorting the recycling, refuse is also burnt, resulting in toxic smoke. This creates both an environmental and human health hazard, which has affected residents living in and around the camp. I have raised these and other issues with Region A, and there have been numerous operations led by the city on the K60 to address these issues. The dwellers can return, as the land is not secured.

“I call on the City of Joburg and Region A to take the necessary preventative measures to clear illegally occupied land and public open spaces for all to enjoy.”

Fourways Review reached out to JMPD and the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport. More information will be provided once it becomes available.

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