Ekurhuleni conducts 923 inspections to tackle illegal land use and unauthorised buildings

The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) confirmed that inspections were carried out during the 2024/25 financial year, addressing both complaints and routine checks to ensure compliance.

These inspections included site, foundation, drainage, roof, and final evaluations, along with investigations prompted by reported irregularities.

This follows an article published by Kempton Express on September 18, highlighting concerns raised by Ward 16 Clr Jaco Terblanche over the growing problem of illegal land use and unauthorised buildings in areas such as Kempton Park Ext 2, Aston Manor, Nimrod Park, and Glen Marais.

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Terblanche urged the city to restore law and order and hold violators accountable.

He said the DA, through the Development Planning Oversight Committee, would request that the MMC for Development Planning and Real Estate, Nomadlozi Nkosi, explain the department’s failure to act on complaints and questioned why so few cases have been escalated to the Legal and Corporate Department.

In response, Nkosi and the EMPD reported that over 923 inspections were conducted during 2024/25.

Of these, 35 complaints were registered, with only one case escalated to the Legal and Corporate Department.

Fines totaling R2.1m were issued, but no demolition orders were carried out.

“The DA stands in solidarity with Ward 16 residents against unlawful land developments,” Terblanche said.

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City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini explained that challenges in addressing contraventions include delays in obtaining affidavits at police stations and difficulties in accessing property owner details.

“Administrative penalties are an important deterrent and revenue-recovery tool. Since their introduction in 2023, some property owners have stopped illegal activity or regularised their properties via development applications.

“Others persist, and we continue penalising them, occasionally taking matters to court to obtain demolition orders,” Dlamini said.

He noted that the department is currently experiencing resource constraints, affecting turnaround times and the ability to reach all affected areas.

The CoE uses several engagement methods to address illegal activity, including monthly door-to-door visits, warning notices in hotspot areas, and public awareness campaigns.

Notices issued to property owners have expiry dates, with follow-ups conducted after 7, 14, 30, or 60 days, depending on the nature of the contravention.

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Non-compliance may result in administrative penalties or referral to the Corporate Legal Department for litigation.

Dlamini added that the CoE conducts monthly joint operations with the EMPD and coordinates with SAPS, particularly for complex enforcement cases.

A multi-department task team handles more complicated operations.

“A formal, quantitative impact assessment has not yet been completed, but case-based evidence shows that concentrated unauthorised commercial uses and overcrowding can depress neighbouring property values, strain infrastructure, and raise community safety concerns,” Dlamini said.

He also highlighted that the department is reviewing administrative penalty scales to impose differentiated penalties for repeat offenders.

Integration of property records with GIS is underway to target high-risk properties proactively.

“Building Control conducts routine inspections; however, capacity issues prevent us from reaching all affected areas,” Dlamini said.