Residents renew calls for City of Johannesburg to enforce by-laws at Illovo Junction
Illovo residents say ongoing noise and unauthorised places of amusement continue to affect the residential neighbourhood despite years of complaints to the City of Johannesburg.
Residents of Illovo have renewed calls for the City of Johannesburg to take action against businesses operating as places of amusement at Illovo Junction, citing ongoing violations of municipal by-laws and zoning regulations.
According to resident Helien Gous, who lives across the road from Illovo Junction, challenges have persisted for years despite repeated complaints and engagement with city authorities.
“Illovo Junction has been operating without the correct zoning,” Gous said. “Only the first floor and ground floor are zoned for restaurants and commercial use. The upper floors are zoned for offices, but several places of amusement, clubs, are operating.”
She added that residents have consistently objected to entertainment venues featuring loud music, dancing, and late night activities.
Read more: City’s service delivery operation enforces bylaws at George Lea Park South
“They don’t obey any of the city by-laws,” she alleged. The music often goes on until 01:00 or 02:00. It’s very loud, and often the crowds spill into the streets. Residents have reported fights, street racing, and even an incident where a firearm was discharged in a parking lot,” she claimed. This is not the type of crowd you want in a residential area.”
Records supplied by residents indicate that city inspections conducted in February and March 2021 found instances of non compliance, resulting in fines for trading without the required entertainment and business licences, as well as violations of noise control by-laws.
Despite notices being issued and enforcement action promised, residents said unauthorised amusement activities have continued.
@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Illovo resident Helien Gous and Ward 90 councillor Renate van Onselen calls on the City of Johannesburg and Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) to address longstanding complaints over the unauthorised places of amusement and bylaw violations at Illovo Junction. Video: Xoliswa Zakwe #Sandton #JMPD ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
“We have engaged countless times with various departments of the City of Johannesburg with no positive results,” Gous said.
Beyond the disruption, residents expressed concern about declining property values and the long term impact on the character of the area.
“We’re not opposed to businesses in the area, but they need to be suitable for residents — like restaurants or a gym. That’s something we would support,” Gous added. “We are concerned about property values plummeting, as happens near amusement districts.”
She also raised concerns about a large digital billboard on the wall of Illovo Junction, claiming it lacks proper approval and contributes to excessive light pollution affecting nearby residents and motorists at the busy Oxford Road and Corlett Drive intersection.
Also read: Clean sweep at George Lea Park South as city enforces bylaws
Ward 90 councillor Renate van Onselen said the situation has become increasingly frustrating, noting her attempts to engage with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) have gone unanswered.
“Illovo Junction is surrounded by residential properties and has become an anomaly in the heart of a residential area,” Van Onselen said. “The by-laws are clearly being breached with places of amusement being run here, yet JMPD does not respond to complaints.”
Van Onselen said she would continue engaging with the city and JMPD to ensure bylaws are enforced and residents’ concerns are addressed.
Responding to residents’ concerns, City of Johannesburg spokesperson Nthatisi Modingoane confirmed that applications for places of amusement at Illovo Junction were submitted but refused after evaluation and consideration of objections.
“The applicant appealed the decision, and it was still refused,” Modingoane said. “Our Planning Law Enforcement unit has responded to the matter. Two clubs have since closed, but new tenants have started amusement activities. New contravention notices were issued on April 15, 2026, and the property is still placed on penalty rates. Planning Law Enforcement will process the matter to the municipal courts since the activities have not stopped.”
Sandton Chronicle reached out to Illovo Junction owner Nico Picone for comment on June 8, 9, 11, and again on June 12, with a June 15 deadline. As of June 17, no comment had been received. Updates will be provided once available.
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