Residents of the Ginger Farm informal settlement face mounting uncertainty as the City of Johannesburg confirms that alternative emergency accommodation has not yet been secured, despite a court-ordered deadline requiring relocation by February 28.

The settlement is situated on privately owned land that was invaded several years ago. In August last year, the High Court in Johannesburg directed the city to provide alternative accommodation to the residents by the end of February 2026. With only days remaining before the February 28 deadline, residents say a lack of clear communication has intensified anxiety within the community.

Ginger Farm resident Tasha Pule said many families became distressed after learning through media reports that they have until month end to vacate the land. She said residents are feeling anxious and would appreciate clearer feedback from the city about what will happen next. “If they did find a new place for us, we need to know where. We are now confused and worried about what is going to happen, because no one told us anything.”

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City spokesperson Nthatisi Modingoane previously confirmed residents were aware of the court order, but acknowledged that engagement regarding alternative accommodation had not yet taken place. Modingoane confirmed that suitable temporary emergency accommodation (TEA) is still not available, despite the deadline in just the next few days.

“The city has been ordered to provide TEA. However, suitable and readily available TEA capacity is currently not available. In response, the department has expedited processes to explore alternative solutions, including assessing the integration of qualifying households into existing settlements.”

However, Modingoane said assessments showed that existing settlements cannot accommodate the affected households. “Following extensive assessments, it was determined that existing settlements do not have the capacity to accommodate the estimated number of qualifying households.”

He said as a result, the city is now exploring the development of a new emergency accommodation site. “The city, through Johannesburg Property Company, is therefore exploring the establishment of a TEA facility on an alternative land parcel to be identified and made available.”

Modingoane attributed delays mainly to the difficulty of identifying suitable land that meets all requirements. “The primary reason for the delay is the limited availability of suitable, serviced land within the region. Identifying land that meets planning, environmental, and infrastructure requirements is a complex process.”

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He added that land being considered may be outside the immediate area, a concern for residents who rely on nearby work opportunities. “The department is currently assessing alternative land options, which may include land outside the immediate region, subject to suitability and feasibility considerations.”

Addressing residents’ fears, Modingoane said the city remains committed to resolving the matter responsibly and lawfully. “The city understands the concerns of affected residents and remains committed to finding a lawful and sustainable solution. Work is ongoing to secure suitable land, and once confirmed details are available, the community will be formally engaged and provided with clear communication on the next steps.”

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