Debunking the hijacking narrative

WHILE the City of Johannesburg and the Clarendon Heights Body Corporate claim that this building has been hijacked, a resident said the problems are far more complex and troubling, reflecting a breakdown of governance, accountability, and power.

- ZELDA VENTER

About 38 occupiers of the building in Hillbrow were earlier evicted in terms of a Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, order. They were, however, given a reprieve when the court suspended the eviction pending their bid to appeal their eviction.

The order followed allegations that the building had been taken over by illegal occupants, that rent was being collected by “people” other than the owners, and that there were concerns about the safety of other residents.

Having lived in Clarendon Heights for many years, a resident who wants to stay anonymous shared his thoughts on how the widely used “hijacked building” narrative differs significantly from reality.