Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero is taking bold steps to address the housing crisis in the city by utilizing the Expropriation Act to seize derelict and illegally occupied buildings in the inner city. With a backlog of 300,000 people waiting for homes since 1996 and 1997, Morero is determined to find innovative and efficient solutions to provide affordable housing for qualifying citizens.
The Expropriation Act, which was signed into law last year, allows for the seizure of private property for public purposes or in the public interest. Compensation is provided at a fair and equitable rate, rather than market value, with exceptions for cases where land can be expropriated without compensation. Morero’s plan is to target abandoned hijacked buildings in the city center, many of which belong to overseas or deceased owners, as well as the government.
Morero revealed that just under 50 hijacked buildings belong to the government, while over 400 are owned by private individuals. Additionally, there are nearly 100 buildings where the owners cannot be located, leading to potential sale of execution and expropriation. The mayor highlighted cases where property owners have abandoned buildings, owing the city millions in rates and taxes. By utilizing the Expropriation Act, the city aims to redevelop these properties for the public good.
In response to concerns about the controversial nature of expropriation, Morero emphasized that the process is in line with the Constitution’s provisions for public good and redress for historical injustices. He stressed that expropriation is not done for the sake of it but rather to repurpose buildings for essential services like schools, clinics, and housing opportunities. Morero’s commitment to expropriation without hesitation reflects his determination to address the housing crisis in Johannesburg.
Former Mayor Herman Mashaba, who championed the expropriation of abandoned buildings during his tenure, expressed disappointment in the lack of political will to address the issue of hijacked buildings. Mashaba highlighted the potential for private developers to transform these buildings into low-cost housing, student accommodation, and rental spaces for small businesses. He lamented the missed opportunity to revamp 154 buildings worth R32 billion that had already been awarded to the private sector during his time in office.
Despite the challenges and criticisms, Mayor Dada Morero remains steadfast in his mission to tackle the housing crisis in Johannesburg through strategic expropriation of derelict buildings. By repurposing these properties for the public good, Morero hopes to provide much-needed housing and essential services for the city’s residents. Unfortunately, the lack of political will and leadership focused on public service has hindered progress in addressing crucial issues in the city. This sentiment was echoed by Morero, who highlighted the challenges faced in reclaiming abandoned buildings and addressing housing issues.
One significant incident that underscored the city’s struggles was the explosion on Lilian Ngoyi Street in July 2023, resulting in severe damage and one fatality. The estimated cost of repairs was initially projected at R178 million but has since escalated to R200 million. Delays in the repair process led to the city parting ways with the original contractor and hiring a new one to complete the project by August 2025. Despite concerns about additional costs, Morero assured that any escalations would be minimal and quantified upon project completion.
Morero also shed light on the city’s efforts to reclaim hijacked buildings in Lilian Ngoyi Street, emphasizing the importance of restoring these properties for proper use by residents. Additionally, the mayor unveiled the ambitious Southern Farms project, aiming to unlock 43,000 housing units as part of a larger development plan to address housing challenges in Gauteng. This mixed housing opportunity initiative is groundbreaking in scale and signifies a commitment to making tangible progress in the city’s housing sector.
In a State of the City address, the mayor emphasized the urgency of addressing housing issues and highlighted the city’s innovative approach to developing housing opportunities. The unveiling of the Southern Farms project and plans for an 83,000-unit mixed housing development demonstrate a proactive stance in addressing housing shortages and creating sustainable living solutions for residents.
Despite the challenges posed by political inertia and leadership shortcomings, the city remains committed to tackling critical issues such as housing shortages and urban decay. Through innovative projects and strategic initiatives, the city aims to revitalize communities, reclaim abandoned buildings, and provide quality housing for its residents. With a renewed focus on public service and effective governance, the city is poised to overcome obstacles and create a brighter future for all its inhabitants.
