Illegal construction 101
Technisa college in Bordeaux has began construction on their campus without Council approval.

The South West Gauteng College Technisa has been under scrutiny since construction of its new classroom began in Bordeaux South recently.
The institution has not obtained approval by relevant entities, and the construction is thus illegal. According to Roberto Nastri, a resident who lives
next to the college campus, the college had not informed him about the construction.
“I woke up one morning and heard noises and saw dust everywhere. I only discovered what was happening once I saw the construction vehicles digging. The college had no signage informing residents of the new campus put up before proceeding with the construction,” Nastri explained.
Bordeaux South Residents Association chairperson Elinor Bodinger said the the college is not allowed to continue with construction until the City of Johannesburg has approved the construction to ensure they comply with the development planning laws.
“We have always done work with the college. We want to be involved, however there needs to be open communication in order for us to continue our relationship with them,” said Bodinger.
Ward 102 councillor David Potter stated, “We had a meeting where the college told me they were in discussions with the City Council to get the building plans approved. I have only seen the electronically forwarded copy of the plans which were submitted to City Council. The college assumed that I would take on their responsibility of communicating with the community”.
According to Potter, on assessment it was discovered that the building was extremely close to the neighbouring residential property – Nastri’s property – and some consideration needed to be given to this fact.
“We are acutely aware of the need for educational facilities across the city, province and the country, however such should be built in good faith and in consultation with affected parties,” he said.
The college’s campus construction manager Trevor Mpatsi said, “We will not comment on the matter until we have concluded our meetings with the residents association and ward councillor”.
According to City Council’s development planning spokesperson Thabo Rangwaga, “The town planning department does planning for businesses, houses, complexes and even schools. Prior to anyone building any new construction it is required that they obtain approval from the development planning department first. In the case of this campus [he is] yet to investigate whether the department is indeed in the process of approving the colleges’ building plans”.