JOHANNESBURG, Gauteng — The City of Johannesburg has significantly intensified its inner-city by-law enforcement campaign, marked by the demolition of illegal structures inside the iconic Marble Towers building. Led by Mayor Dada Morero and MMC Sithembiso Zungu, a multidisciplinary law enforcement team executed the operation following a Gauteng High Court order that ruled in the city’s favor, rejecting the building owners’ May attempt to interdict the removal of the structures and the closure of the building.
Mayor Dada Morero emphasized that the city is strictly enforcing its bylaws to create greater opportunities for businesses to operate legally, stimulate job creation, and build a healthy economy. Highlighting the ongoing nature of this initiative, Morero noted that the city has been active in the inner city since October 2, starting with the cleanup of De Villiers Street, which remains properly maintained. He stressed that the current operations in the Marble Towers precinct are a continuation of that maintenance, conducted regardless of any political or election narratives.
“Hopefully, once we clear and make the area safe, better businesses will take opportunities to come back into the inner city,” Mayor Morero stated. He underscored the municipal responsibility to attract quality investment that will contribute positively to national revenue and the broader fiscal landscape.
Despite the city’s objectives, several business owners operating within the demolished structures expressed distress, stating they were never informed by the building owner that they would have to vacate the premises. These tenants, who pay between 6,000 and 8,000 rands a month in rent, now face deep uncertainty regarding the future of their livelihoods.
Affected business owners claimed that negotiations had been on the table since the initial court proceedings, with terms and conditions being discussed between the mayor and the building owner. They expressed frustration over the sudden demolition, pleading for adequate time to remove their belongings. “They are right, but they must just give us time to take our stuff out,” one affected individual noted.
Compounding the tenants’ difficulties is the reported absence of the building’s owner, who tenants say is nowhere to be found.
Meanwhile, the City of Johannesburg maintains that its enforcement campaign is strictly aimed at restoring law and order in the inner city. The municipality reiterated its determination to tackle lawlessness while ensuring that all businesses operate legally and safely within the urban core.
