ActionSA expresses deep disappointment at the Premier’s continued failure to act decisively against the scourge of hijacked buildings in Gauteng despite his high-profile commitment made six months ago.
Highjacked buildings tend to be a hive for criminality and trap residents in dangerous, unlawful living conditions. With the province facing mammoth backlogs of housing residents, reclaiming highjacked buildings would provide a vehicle through which affordable housing, closer to economic centres can be accessed by communities.
In March 2025, both Premier Panyaza Lesufi and President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged to use the Expropriation Act to reclaim hijacked buildings and restore safety and dignity to affected communities. Yet, in response to formal questions tabled in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (PR051), the Premier has failed to provide even the most basic details on implementation.
The Premier’s written reply offers no figures, no criteria, no budget, and no timeline merely stating that the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has “initiated a process” to assist municipalities. Six months later after his public commitment, this vague language is unacceptable and seeks to avert accountability.
In our questions to the Premier, ActionSA had asked:
- How many buildings have been identified for expropriation?
- What criteria are being used to qualify buildings?
- Has a budget been allocated to support this intervention?
- What steps are being taken to secure funding if no budget exists?
The Premier’s response to all four questions was a deflection, providing no substantive answers and no evidence of progress.
ActionSA demands:
- A full public disclosure of buildings identified for expropriation across Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni;
- Publication of the criteria guiding expropriation decisions;
- A clear budget allocation or funding strategy to operationalize the commitment; and
- A time-bound implementation plan with measurable outcomes.
This delay is not just bureaucratic, it is a betrayal of vulnerable residents living in unsafe, hijacked buildings.
It signals lack of urgency, coordination and political will to confront criminal syndicates and restore lawful governance in our urban centres. Indeed, it is a failure of leadership and a slap in the face of those we took an oath to serve – who deserve safe, dignified and habitable housing.
We will continue to escalate this matter through formal oversight channels, public advocacy, and legislative pressure. Gauteng deserves leadership that delivers – not one that defers.
Six Months Later, Still No Plan to Reclaim Hijacked Buildings: ActionSA Slams Gauteng Premier
ActionSA expresses deep disappointment at the Premier’s continued failure to act decisively against the scourge of hijacked buildings in Gauteng despite his high-profile commitment made six months ago.
Highjacked buildings tend to be a hive for criminality and trap residents in dangerous, unlawful living conditions. With the province facing mammoth backlogs of housing residents, reclaiming highjacked buildings would provide a vehicle through which affordable housing, closer to economic centres can be accessed by communities.
In March 2025, both Premier Panyaza Lesufi and President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged to use the Expropriation Act to reclaim hijacked buildings and restore safety and dignity to affected communities. Yet, in response to formal questions tabled in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (PR051), the Premier has failed to provide even the most basic details on implementation.
The Premier’s written reply offers no figures, no criteria, no budget, and no timeline merely stating that the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has “initiated a process” to assist municipalities. Six months later after his public commitment, this vague language is unacceptable and seeks to avert accountability.
In our questions to the Premier, ActionSA had asked:
The Premier’s response to all four questions was a deflection, providing no substantive answers and no evidence of progress.
ActionSA demands:
This delay is not just bureaucratic, it is a betrayal of vulnerable residents living in unsafe, hijacked buildings.
It signals lack of urgency, coordination and political will to confront criminal syndicates and restore lawful governance in our urban centres. Indeed, it is a failure of leadership and a slap in the face of those we took an oath to serve – who deserve safe, dignified and habitable housing.
We will continue to escalate this matter through formal oversight channels, public advocacy, and legislative pressure. Gauteng deserves leadership that delivers – not one that defers.