Environment and Agricultural MMC, Obakeng Ramabodu, is calling on businesses in the inner-city to comply with the metro’s by-laws regarding waste management.

This call was made during a nighttime by-law operation in Sunnyside on December 9, joined by Health Services MMC, Tshegofatso Mashabela, alongside the TMPD.

Ramabodu said that the operation revealed that some business owners were not complying with municipal by-laws, as premises were littered with waste and had inadequate numbers of refuse containers.

“Disposal of waste in areas not marked for waste management purposes, which resulted in littering, was observed. Failure to clean outside areas forming part of the business resulted in waste material building [and] running into drainage systems. Compliance notices were issued to businesses to address identified contraventions,” Ramabodu said.

The operation addressed hospitality businesses, specifically several establishments operating as illegal brothels while presenting themselves as hotels.

“Various activities constituting serious violations, such as non-availability of documents authorising business operations, fraudulent licences, filthy and unsafe business conditions, and excessive infestations, were noted during the operation,” Ramabodu said.

Law enforcement agencies proceeded to shut down some of the businesses, such as brothels, that violated an array of municipal by-laws.

Ramabodu said this was necessary to protect the environment and ensure that these businesses comply with all the requirements.

The MMC is also calling on the public to report these illegal businesses to preserve public safety.

“All other aspects of non-compliance with other by-laws of the city will be referred to the relevant departments in the municipalities for further attention.

“The city’s leadership will not allow a filthy environment to exist that is harmful to the health and well-being of our residents. Operations of this nature will continue taking place throughout the municipality to improve compliance by businesses.

“We call on the residents and all stakeholders to work closely with the leadership of the municipality and its administration, to ensure our environment is safe and clean for all the people of Tshwane,” Ramabodu said.

At one of the hotel businesses that were shut down, Mashabela said the occupants could not provide the necessary accreditation to continue operations.

“The establishment is operating as a brothel without approved building plans, without meeting Emergency Services requirements and without a Certificate of Occupancy.

“In addition, the premises have three dogs in an area zoned for business, which is a direct violation of municipal regulations. Nightclubs and brothels are regulated industries, and we cannot allow lawlessness or the undermining of our city by-laws,” Mashabela said.

Watch here: https://x.com/i/status/1998498410471579921.

Tonight we are in Sunnyside for our night shift operation to restore order and enforce the law. Pavilion Hotel has been prohibited for multiple acts of non compliance.

The establishment is operating as a brothel without approved building plans without meeting Emergency Services… pic.twitter.com/83hMMnFC5j

— Obakeng COT MMC Environment Agriculture . (@RamaboduObakeng) December 9, 2025

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