Days of derelict buildings numbered – MMC
The metro has set clear timelines and accountability measures to fast-track implementation of action plan.
Owners of derelict business buildings must act now or they will face the full might of the law, according to MMC for Corporate and Shared Services, Kholofelo Morodi.
The warning was stressed during the inaugural meeting of the subcommittee tasked with addressing derelict and non-compliant businesses within the CBD.
In the meeting on February 14, legal experts presented enforcement strategies, including stronger by-law applications, compliance orders, and the possibility of expropriating buildings that have been abandoned.
Morodi described these buildings as an epidemic and said they are breeding ground for crime and lawlessness and posed safety hazards to inner-city residents.
“This marks the beginning of a city-wide crackdown on property owners who have abandoned their buildings, allowing them to deteriorate into dangerous slums. The committee outlined a decisive action plan, including compiling a comprehensive database of derelict buildings, enforcing by-laws, and developing a strategy to repurpose these neglected structures,” he said.
Law enforcement agencies, government officials, private sector players, and community representatives will be mobilised to ensure that this plan moves beyond discussion and into visible action.
The metro has set clear timelines and accountability measures to fast-track its implementation.
“The committee also explored innovative ways to transform these spaces into thriving business hubs, affordable student accommodation and housing, and community centres, with investor engagement at the core of the city’s vision,” Morodi said.
Tshwane Metro reached an agreement with Tsoseletso Consortium to redevelop the Schubart Park building earlier this month.
The consortium plans to convert the building into student accommodation, affordable low-income housing and retail stalls in the next two years at the cost of over R1 billion.
Morodi says the redevelopment will result in 1 300 mixed-use housing units and 3 500 sqm of retail space.
“The message is clear: building owners who have neglected their properties must act now or face the full might of the law. This is just the beginning – Tshwane is taking back its CBD, and the transformation starts now,” Morodi said.
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