The informal settlement, on the K60 (Van der Bijl Drive) road reserve behind Chilli Lane Shopping Centre in Sunninghill, has become a source of tension, with residents and dwellers sharing very different views about its effects.
The Sunninghill community ratepayers see the settlement as a growing crisis.
Chairperson Linda Gildenhuys states that the illegal occupation of the road reserve has worsened crime, health risks, and environmental damage. “Our area is directly affected by the illegal occupation of the K60.
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While some parts of the road have been completed, a large section remains unfinished. It is here that illegal squatting has taken hold. The consequences for our suburb have been severe, causing social, economic, environmental, and safety issues.”
Gildenhuys pointed out the ongoing fires, cable theft, rat infestations, and increase in smash-and-grab incidents at the Rivonia Road traffic lights. She also raised environmental concerns.
“The Sandspruit River is now being polluted because of the lack of toilets and waste management services. Waste pickers rummage through recycling bags left out for Pikitup, creating a mess. Unsold material is then dumped back at the road reserve, or into the river.”
Businesses, like Chilli Lane Shopping Centre, are also struggling.
“Perceptions of crime and insecurity are reducing foot traffic, which threatens jobs and economic growth.”
Residents of the informal settlement insist they are not criminals. They are just people looking for opportunities.
“We stay here because it makes it easier for us to look for jobs,” said Malebogeng Heidiwessie, who has lived there for 11 years. Heidiwessie acknowledged that many in the camp are undocumented, which makes finding work difficult.
Fellow resident Ellis Samora added: “We are waste pickers and recyclers. We don’t know anything about crime.”
Both Samora and Heidiwessie urged the city to provide proper housing and basic services to the residents of the settlement.
Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy confirmed that squatters have been on the K60 for nearly a decade. He mentioned that repeated efforts to clear the land have failed because the land is not secured.
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“People burn refuse, which creates toxic smoke. This poses risks to both the environment and human health. I urge the City of Johannesburg and Region A to take the necessary steps to clear illegally occupied land, and to ensure public open spaces are safe for everyone.”
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla emphasised that by-law enforcement is ongoing, through Operation Nomakanjani Manje Namhlanje, a collaborative effort involving JMPD, Pikitup, Environmental Health, City Power, and SAPS.
@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
“By-law enforcement is a continuous process. Our focus is on illegal land occupation, dumping, cable theft, and street trading.
The issue of undocumented foreign nationals falls under the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), but we conduct joint operations with SAPS and DHA to address it.”
Fourways Review reached out to the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport on September 23 and followed up on September 25. No comment was received by time of print, however, more information will be provided once it becomes available.
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