City to take Illovo Junction to court over alleged illegal entertainment activities

The City of Johannesburg has confirmed that it intends to take legal action against Illovo Junction, which is operating outside the property’s approved land-use rights.

This follows renewed calls for by-law enforcement at the location from residents who raised concerns about the noise level, late-night activity, and alleged by-law violations that have disrupted what they describe as a predominantly residential neighbourhood.

Resident Helien Gous, who lives near Illovo Junction, reported that the centre has been operating without the correct zoning. “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 and clubs are operating there.

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“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. This is not the type of crowd you want in a residential area.”

City of Johannesburg spokesperson Nthatisi Modingoane said the property is zoned as business 1, which permits business purposes, shops, residential buildings, social halls, restaurants, car sales lots, motor showrooms, offices, and public or private parking area. He added that the sale and consumption of alcohol are also allowed under the existing zoning rights. However, Modingoane explained that operating a place of amusement, which includes discos, night clubs, sports bars, and places of live music entertainment, must be accommodated by means of a consent application. “In the case of portion 1 of Erf 119 Illovo, applications for a place of amusement were submitted, but after evaluation and consideration of the objections, the applications were refused. The applicant appealed the decision, and it was still refused.”

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. The by-laws are clearly being breached with places of amusement being run here, yet JMPD does not respond to complaints.”

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Responding to these concerns, Modingoane said city planning’s law enforcement unit has responded to the matter, and two clubs were closed. “There are new tenants who started with the place of amusement, and the new contravention notices were issued on April 15. 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, but no comment had been received by the time of print. We also reached out to JMPD for comment, but none was received at the time of print.
Updates will be provided once available.

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