Overview: The Inner City Struggle
As leaders from the world’s major economies prepare for the upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, the city’s centre reveals a stark contrast to the polished summit venues. Authorities are grappling with over 100 derelict and hijacked buildings, plagued by rubbish, open sewage, and criminal activity.
Resident Nelson Khetani, who lives in MBV1 at Joubert Park, described the situation: “There’s guns, there’s drugs, there’s prostitutes, there’s everything here.” Vandalised communal kitchens and overflowing human waste mark many buildings, while rooms have been taken over by gangs collecting illicit rent.
Hijacked Buildings and Living Conditions
The BBC confirmed 102 abandoned or derelict structures within an 18 sq km area in Johannesburg’s inner city. Many are unfit for habitation. Vannin Court, another council-owned building, is hijacked, without water or electricity, forcing residents to rely on gas stoves and solar lighting. Unsafe conditions have heightened fire risks.
Resident Sinethemba Maqoma explained: “Without mains water, we flush toilets with buckets and cook using portable gas tanks. The fire risk is huge.” Cars abandoned in basements were partly submerged in human waste, illustrating the scale of neglect.
Historical Context and Housing Crisis
The housing problems trace back to post-apartheid urban migration. As many residents moved closer to workplaces in the city centre, under-investment and the departure of wealthier landlords left buildings neglected. Some have become hubs for criminal activities, including drug production. Former hijacker Joseph revealed how gangs took over buildings to cook drugs like nyaope, a dangerous street substance.
Challenges of Redevelopment and Evictions
Evicting residents to clear these Johannesburg neglected structures is complex. South Africa’s constitution protects housing rights, requiring authorities to provide alternative accommodation. Johannesburg Central’s sheriff, Marks Mangaba, highlighted that large-scale evictions are extremely costly, often running into millions of rands.
The Prevention of Illegal Eviction Act further complicates matters, mandating court orders for every eviction. As a result, legal and financial hurdles delay redevelopment.
Government Response and Outlook
President Cyril Ramaphosa, reflecting on the G20 preparations, stated in March: “It is a painful sight to go through the centre of the city… you have a number of abandoned buildings, buildings that have been hijacked, that are not paying your rates and taxes.” Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero assured that the city is “ready to host the G20.”
Deputy director of communications Nthatisi Modingoane emphasized that the city will “intensify operations tackling criminal activity in hijacked buildings” to restore safety. However, residents like Khetani remain skeptical: “The city has no money and nobody cares.”
Conclusion: A City in Contrast
While Johannesburg prepares to welcome global leaders, the reality of Johannesburg hijacked buildings and derelict structures shows the challenges the city faces in balancing international image with the daily hardships of its residents.
This story was first reported by BBC Africa Eye. Read the full article here.
For travel options within Johannesburg during the G20, check https://travel.afrikeye.com/.
