Metro to address leasing issues to combat hijacking of buildings
Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya says the metro is aware of its current leasing challenges following several businesses being closed in a recent by-law operation.
On June 17, Moya, accompanied by her Mayoral Committee, the TMPD and supporting partners as well as departments, carried out a by-law operation focused on hijacked buildings in Danville, west of Pretoria.
A recurring theme throughout the operation was the holes within the metro's leasing systems, leading to confusion, fraud and mismanagement.
'We will continue to reclaim hijacked city properties. We are aware that the city's leasing system has not worked to benefit the municipality's income-generating capacity, and we are determined to fix this,' Moya said.
During the operation, an illegal early childhood development (ECD) centre, operating for 22 years from a city-owned property without a lease, was closed.
Across the road was a business park, also city-owned, but none of the businesses had valid leases with the metro.
'Danville, like many areas in the city, has seen residents terrorised by crime, drugs and all manner of lawlessness emanating from properties that are owned by the city or by private entities. The other businesses closed were operating in a privately managed building. These included a gambling business, a butchery that was found selling expired meat and a U-Save operating without a licence,' Moya said.
A summary of the operation's results includes:
– 8 business premises inspected
– 2 Section 56 notices issued for contravention of the Business Act
– 4 Section 56 notices issued for contravention of the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectant Act
– 1 Contravention notice issued for the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectant Act
– 3 Premises found with an illegal electricity connection
– 1 Premise found with an illegal water connection
– 2 arrests were made for illegal immigration and possession of stolen goods
– 3 vehicles impounded
– 1 gambling business entered forcefully
– 5 businesses closed.
We've just shutdown an illegal ECD in Danville. The people living in this place have no lease with the city and have hijacked our property. We found a fake TMPD jacket and SANDF uniform. @CityTshwane pic.twitter.com/iyXm2AW1od
— Dr Nasiphi Moya (@nasiphim) June 17, 2025
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