City of Joburg tackles hijacked, derelict buildings in enforcement operations

ACTING Johannesburg mayor Kenny Kunene has launched a scathing attack against what he described as increasing interference by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and courts, claiming they are actively obstructing the City’s efforts to tackle illegal immigration, unauthorised land occupations and hijacked buildings.

- KAMOGELO MOICHELA [e-mail]

Kunene, who has been spearheading intensified enforcement operations in recent weeks, says City officials are being blocked at every turn by “self-proclaimed human rights defenders” who, according to him, are prioritising the rights of criminals and law-breakers over the safety and well-being of law-abiding residents.

“There is political and moral will on our side to act decisively,” Kunene said during a site inspection in Marshalltown, Johannesburg, this week.

“But we're being delayed by endless court applications brought by NGOs, who are more concerned with legal posturing than the lived reality on the ground.”