Ekurhuleni Mayor, Nkosindiphie Xhakaza.
(The Post News)- The mayor of Ekurhuleni, Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, has firmly stated that halting efforts to remove illegal occupants from metro buildings would represent a failure in governance.
Officials evicted residents from Pharoe Park flats in Germany yesterday. Law enforcement carried out the operation in Johannesburg’s eastern region. The city aims to reclaim illegally occupied or hijacked properties.
Xhakaza said the government must enforce its laws and policies. He warned that inaction sends a negative message to residents and investors. He believes failure could erode private sector confidence in the city. Xhakaza said the city must protect legal housing opportunities.
According to Xhakaza, to motivate property owners to remain in the city, they have implemented several incentive programs. He said these incentives enable property owners to put money back into maintenance and upgrades. He added that it is not mandatory for owners to make direct financial contributions to the city’s coffers—they use the incentives to upgrade their lives.
Xhaxaza asserted that strong, cooperative relationships between the city and property owners are facilitated by this arrangement—it encourages sustainable, long-term growth in the urban setting. Meanwhile, the Metro police secured a court order and therefore carried out the eviction due to the unlawful occupation of units.
FOSA Denounces Burning of Home Affairs
The Forum of South Africans (FOSA) has condemned the burning of Home Affairs offices. Despite that, these actions highlights ongoing challenges related to unlawful vandalism. The group blamed the Ekurhuleni Municipality for allowing the crisis to worsen. FOSA claimed tha corrupt municipal officials allowed illegal occupants to live in the flats for over ten years.
These occupants now face eviction for non-payment or unlawful tenancy. The forum urges the municipality to act quickly and transparently to solve the crisis. FOSA insists officials must treat affected communities with fairness and dignity. They warn that corruption and mismanagement continue to cause unrest and instability.
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