Joshco Building in Hillbrow Used for Unauthorised Storage and Bus Activity

an illegal bus rank and unapproved commercial operations inside a city-owned building in Hillbrow, intensifying concerns about lawlessness in the inner city.

During a recent inspection, Human Settlements MMC Mlungisi Mabaso discovered that a property owned by the Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSHCO) on Kerk Street was being used without permission to store goods. Unregulated buses, which are not licensed to operate in the area, were also seen delivering these items to the building.

“This building is not only illegally occupied—it’s also become a hub for unregulated activity,” said Mabaso. “Joshco is unintentionally running an illegal bus rank here, which goes against the city’s own bylaws.”

This is one of the buildings owned by the city of Johannesburg, it was found with three illegal occupants. pic.twitter.com/v22gZ05ruU

— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) April 30, 2025

The finding was made while Mabaso was conducting a broader audit of hijacked and misused municipal buildings across the city. He confirmed that an eviction order had already been issued for the Kerk Street property, and illegal occupants would soon be removed.

Local residents say the unauthorised bus activity has worsened traffic congestion and turned the area into a crime hotspot, further escalating the urgency to reclaim the building.

The raid is part of a larger campaign to regain control of hijacked and illegally used city infrastructure. Mabaso recently confirmed that 11 such buildings have been identified so far, all requiring urgent evacuation. He also highlighted a critical housing shortage, with nearly 19,000 people in need of alternative accommodation across Johannesburg.

Despite limited space and legal hurdles, Mabaso reaffirmed the city’s commitment to enforcement.

“We must reclaim these buildings and restore order,” he said.

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Sourced:EWN

Picture: EWN reporter/X