Joburg’s ‘Bad Buildings Strategy’ Aims to Tackle Housing Crisis

The City of Johannesburg has launched a “Bad Buildings Strategy” to address the inner-city housing backlog, focusing on hijacked and neglected properties.

City Manager Tshepo Makola testified at the Usindiso Inquiry, explaining that the strategy outlines a proactive approach to dealing with abandoned and deteriorating buildings. High maintenance costs, unpaid rates, housing shortages, and ownership complexities have worsened the crisis.

Makola emphasized that the city is shifting from a reactive to a strategic intervention model, including the use of Temporary Emergency Accommodations (TEAs) for evicted residents.

During cross-examination, Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI) lawyer Jason Brickhill questioned the city’s terminology, arguing that terms like “hijacked buildings” unfairly criminalize residents. He also highlighted that TEA facilities are overcrowded and poorly maintained, limiting their effectiveness.

Makola acknowledged the issue, stating that the city is working with the private sector to repurpose evacuated buildings for redevelopment or sale.

Makola admitted that the lack of affordable housing has driven many to occupy abandoned buildings illegally. The city is seeking council approval to expedite the process of releasing properties for housing projects, aiming to ease the crisis.

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