Mamelodi’s informal settlement residents continue to fall victim to unscrupulous individuals demanding bribes in exchange for assistance with relocation to government-acquired land in Pienaarspoort Extension 15.

This exploitation persists despite protests by residents and the EFF earlier this year, who demanded transparency and accountability in the relocation process.

In February, EFF supporters protested corruption in Mamelodi’s informal settlement relocation process by shutting down a makeshift office, alleging bribery, corruption, and unfair practices.

Residents also marched to Tshwane House, submitting a memorandum demanding transparency, including a call for the city to provide a legitimate list of relocation beneficiaries.

The relocation effort seeks to move residents from flood-prone areas where heavy rainfall has previously destroyed shacks near riverbanks, leaving many stranded.

Tshwane Member of the Mayoral Committee for Housing and Human Settlements, Aaron Maluleka, has warned residents about scammers collecting personal data and demanding payments for serviced stands in Pienaarspoort.

“It has come to our attention that unscrupulous individuals are conducting illegal meetings in Mamelodi wards 6 and 18, misleading members of the public by collecting their personal information and charging exorbitant fees for serviced stands in Pienaarspoort,” he said.

He described this activity as patently fraudulent, adding that the City condemns the exploitation of vulnerable community members in the strongest terms.

Maluleka said: “The City wishes to assert that all legitimate engagements regarding the relocation and allocation of serviced stands are conducted transparently through official channels, in collaboration with elected councillors and recognised informal settlement leaders.”

He reiterated that his department does not charge any fees for relocation or stand allocation, and all processes are free of cost to qualifying beneficiaries.

He explained that the City’s stakeholder engagement started in November 2024, outlining the Pienaarspoort relocation plans, and a follow-up session was held in May 2025 to update and involve the community.

“At no point has the City appointed any ‘chief’ or third-party representative to act on behalf of the Department in these matters. Any claims suggesting otherwise are false and intended to deceive residents,” he said.

The public was urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to housing scams to the Tshwane Fraud Line (0800 701 701) or the SAPS.

Maluleka said: “Those found guilty of exploiting community members will face the full might of the law, including arrest and prosecution.”

He said the City will not tolerate any illegal activity that undermines this process of delivering housing opportunities in a fair, transparent, and lawful manner.

Residents have complained about living without basic services like water and electricity in the squatter camp since 1996.

Timothy Khoza, a 13-year resident of Nkandla informal settlement, expressed frustration over years of unfulfilled promises to relocate residents, leaving them stuck in limbo

Fifi Lindane from Ward 100 in Skierlik bemoaned the area’s poor road conditions, which become unusable during rainfall, forcing residents to walk long distances from public transport. She demanded a fair and transparent relocation process, expressing community dissatisfaction.

Beneficiary Jeanette Vilakazi expressed frustration with the relocation process, alleging her unemployed sister was asked to pay R200 to secure a spot for relocation from the informal settlement.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za

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