The City of Johannesburg’s Housing Department has announced it will move forward with plans to refurbish the five-decade-old Diepkloof Hostel, despite an ongoing legal dispute over the ownership of a portion of the land.
The department revealed that its renovation efforts were recently halted by a court interdict filed by a private company claiming ownership of part of the hostel’s land. The dispute has sparked violent protests, resulting in two deaths and multiple injuries after residents clashed with authorities.
Violence Erupts Over Ownership Claims
Johannesburg Housing MMC Mlungisi Mabaso condemned the recent unrest, expressing condolences to the families of the deceased.
“It was a very unfortunate situation,” Mabaso said. “The confusion arose when individuals alleging to be the owners conveyed this message to residents, leading to protests. Residents have a constitutional right to demonstrate, but no one should lose their lives in the process.”
Authorities are still awaiting a full police report on the incident, where a truck allegedly drove through a crowd of protesters. Mabaso confirmed that the city plans to meet with hostel leaders to arrange support for affected families.
Disputed Ownership and Illegal Transfers
The conflict stems from claims by a private entity that it legally acquired a portion of the hostel land in June 2023. However, Mabaso insists the transfer was never approved by the Johannesburg City Council, rendering it illegitimate.
“This transaction was never presented to council,” he stated. “We cannot legitimize it by engaging with these individuals. Our priority is delivering services to residents, not negotiating illegal land deals.”
Despite the interdict, the city will proceed with sanitation and sewer upgrades, arguing that the private owners cannot block essential services for the entire hostel.
Next Steps
The Housing Department remains committed to refurbishing Diepkloof Hostel, with construction set to begin in July. Meanwhile, Mayor Dada Morero is expected to address the broader issue of illegal property transfers in Johannesburg.
As tensions remain high, the city has pledged transparency in resolving the dispute while ensuring the safety and rights of Diepkloof residents.
“We will not let illegal claims prevent us from improving living conditions,” Mabaso affirmed. “The community deserves clarity—and justice.”
