Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, has voiced his support for the expropriation of hijacked buildings in Johannesburg’s Central Business District (CBD) without compensation. This proposal follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for the provincial government to use the Expropriation Act to reclaim abandoned and hijacked buildings in the city.
President Ramaphosa made this statement during his two-day visit to Johannesburg’s CBD ahead of the G20 Summit in November.
Zikalala emphasized that this step is crucial for restoring the Johannesburg CBD to its former glory. “These types of buildings are hijacked, and others are vandalized. They pose a significant risk to the public,” he said. “We cannot continue paying for buildings that are a danger to citizens. Therefore, these properties should be expropriated without compensation.”
He further added that expropriation is essential to protect both residents and the business community. “It is in the public’s best interest to protect the livelihoods of those living and working in the inner city. We must take steps to ensure that we restore the safety and vibrancy of our CBDs,” Zikalala concluded.
With the G20 Summit on the horizon, there is growing urgency to address the deteriorating state of Johannesburg’s CBD. The expropriation of hijacked and abandoned buildings is seen as a critical move to tackle the city’s decay and create a safer, more welcoming environment for residents and businesses alike.
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Sourced: SABC