Property owners in Sunnyside, Arcadia and surrounding areas could face legal action if they do not comply with municipal building regulations after illegally converting two-bedroom units into five-bedroom spaces.

City of Tshwane’s Housing and Human Settlements MMC, Aaron Maluleka, warned that conversions were putting vulnerable residents like students and young workers in harm’s way.

He described the buildings’ compromised structural integrity as a ticking time bomb, posing risks of disasters like fires, collapses, or health hazards.

“When such tragedies occur, the burden inevitably falls on the local government to respond, despite these risks being entirely preventable,” he said.

He condemned property owners for exploiting desperate tenants following a crackdown on illegal accommodation in Sunnyside led by the integrated by-laws enforcement committee, comprising the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD), SAPS, traffic wardens, private security, and other officials.

The operation, Maluleka said, was aimed to tackle the surge in illegal, overcrowded private accommodations and unauthorised businesses.

He said he joined the operation to see firsthand the blatant disregard for municipal by-laws and the hazardous living conditions faced by vulnerable residents, such as students and young workers.

“Law enforcement remains a top priority for this coalition government, and we are committed to rooting out transgressions that threaten public safety and economic development,” he said.

During the operation, the teams found multiple private flats that had been illegally subdivided, converting two-bedroom units into overcrowded five-bedroom spaces.

Maluleka said: “These unauthorised modifications were carried out without the necessary approvals from building control or the fire department, putting occupants at severe risk. Landlords are exploiting the high demand for affordable housing by charging exorbitant rent (between R2 000 and R2 500 per space) while ignoring critical safety regulations.”

He issued a stern warning to non-compliant landlords, saying: “We will not tolerate the exploitation of residents for profit at the expense of their safety.” 

According to him, the City is issuing a final warning to property owners in Sunnyside, Arcadia, and surrounding areas to stop illegal partitioning, restore buildings to their approved structures, obtain necessary permits, and comply with municipal by-laws, including occupancy limits and safety standards.

“Failure to adhere to these directives will result in swift legal action, including fines, forced evacuations and the condemnation of non-compliant buildings. Our building control and fire department teams will conduct follow-up inspections in the coming days, and any violations will be met with zero tolerance,” he said.

He said the City acknowledges the need for affordable housing, but it cannot come at the expense of people’s lives.

“We call on all stakeholders – landlords, tenants, educational institutions and businesses – to work with us in creating safe, legal and dignified living conditions. Local economic development thrives only when our communities are secure, and our laws are respected. We urge residents to report illegal accommodations via the TMPD hotline or their nearest SAPS station,” Maluleka said.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za

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