The Johannesburg MMC for Human Settlements, Mlungisi Mabaso, stated that his office will not engage with the Gauteng Housing Crisis Committee (GHCC) or the Eldorado Park community regarding the land occupation in Extensions 4 and 6.

Mabaso accused the community of using the false narrative of ‘Southern Farms exclusion’ as an excuse to occupy land.

“Let me make this very clear: government cannot and will not engage in criminal activities such as land invasions. Once people take the law into their own hands, it becomes a matter for law enforcement. Our responsibility, as a department, is to follow the correct legal and administrative processes,” he noted.

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He said there has never been a decision or resolution that excludes Eldorado Park residents from benefiting from any development project. In fact, the process of identifying beneficiaries is still underway and has not been finalised, he added.

“It is unfair and incorrect for anyone to claim that certain communities have been deliberately excluded and then use that as a justification for unlawful actions.”

Mabaso highlighted that the department has allocation policies in place covering various forms of housing, including breaking new ground houses, rental units, social housing, and first-home finance.

“These processes exist to ensure fairness and equal access for all. We urge residents to engage through the proper structures and not through illegal occupation.”

He stated that law enforcement was notified at the time of the invasion and is mandated to respond immediately to protect state property.

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Mabaso dismissed JMPD’s claims, suggesting they cannot act until they obtain an eviction order.

“It is incorrect to claim that we are required to first obtain an eviction order before action can be taken. That is not our responsibility.

“We are not a law enforcement agency. Our priority is to maintain law and order, protect state land for sustainable development, and ensure that opportunities are provided through lawful and transparent processes.”

Terry-Ann Van Eck, media liaison officer in the office of the MEC for Gauteng Department of Human Settlements, said the department is aware of the illegal land occupation in Eldorado Park and continues to work closely with the City of Johannesburg (CoJ), which owns the land and is responsible for eviction processes in consultation with law enforcement.

“The Department remains committed to addressing housing needs across the province. Eligible residents are encouraged to ensure their information is correctly registered on the official Housing Demand Database, as all allocations are made through a transparent process based on approved criteria,” she said.

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Van Eck dismissed claims that Eldorado Park residents were excluded from the Southern Farms development, explaining that between 2016 and 2017, the department, together with the CoJ and community leaders, conducted registration and verification processes specifically for Eldorado Park residents.

“Following concerns raised by community leaders, a five-day outreach programme was also conducted in the area to allow residents to apply and verify their details. It is therefore incorrect to suggest that the community was deliberately excluded,” she added.

She further noted that the existence of multiple committees claiming to represent Eldorado Park residents has complicated engagement.

“The department has previously engaged with various leaders in Eldorado Park, including high-level visits and public feedback sessions.

“However, the presence of multiple committees representing the same area creates coordination challenges.

“Advice has been given for these groups to consolidate into a single structure to better champion housing matters affecting the community,” Van Eck said.

The GHCC has rejected MMC Mlungisi Mabaso’s characterisation of Eldorado Park residents as “illegal occupiers,” arguing that the land was earmarked for housing and that the occupation is lawful.

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Citing Section 26 of the Constitution and the Port Elizabeth Municipality v Various Occupiers (2004) ruling, the committee said eviction without alternative accommodation is unconstitutional.

GHCC said the decision to occupy the land followed 31 years of waiting for housing and was a last resort after peaceful efforts failed.

It accused Mabaso of refusing to engage with the committee while promoting an unfamiliar structure, SOPA, which it believes is intended to divide the community.

GHCC maintains it is the recognised body representing Eldorado Park on housing matters and reiterated its call for a meeting to discuss affordable housing, informal settlement upgrades and proper community engagement.