The City of Johannesburg today carried out a high-impact, multi-disciplinary service delivery operation in the inner city, focusing on the Desmond Tutu and Ellis Park precincts across Wards 59, 60, 123 and 124.
The operation was led by Acting Executive Mayor, Cllr Loyiso Masuku, alongside City Manager, Dr Floyd Brink. They were joined by Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMCs), including MMC for Development Planning, Cllr Eunice Mgcina; MMC for Economic Development, Cllr Nomoya Mnisi; MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services Department (EISD), Cllr Jack Sekwaila; as well as Group Chief Financial Officer, Tebogo Moraka.
The delegation conducted extensive street-level inspections to assess service delivery and enforce compliance with municipal by-laws. The inner city continues to face serious challenges, including unlawful business operations, non-compliant buildings operating in unsafe and dangerous conditions.
A key outcome of the operation was the immediate shutdown of the Diplomat Hotel on Lilian Ngoyi Street. The establishment was found to be operating without approved building plans, lacking a valid fire certificate, and relying on an outdated Certificate of Acceptability. Ongoing construction at the site was halted due to the absence of approved plans and concerns over structural safety.
Environmental Health inspectors identified severely unhygienic conditions in the hotel’s kitchen, including a strong odour of spoiled meat. The existing Certificate of Acceptability was revoked and a formal notice was issued.
With the support of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), hotel owners were instructed to evacuate all guests. The owners have been directed to urgently engage with the City to address all compliance and safety violations before any operations can resume.
In addition to enforcement actions, City teams removed illegally dumped waste, cleaned streets, repaired traffic signals, conducted further building inspections, removed informal traders operating unlawfully on pavements and issued contravention notices.
The visible enforcement prompted several non-compliant businesses to close voluntarily upon the City’s arrival.
MMC for Development Planning, Cllr Eunice Mgcina, emphasised the importance of compliance, stating:
“These inspections are critical in ensuring adherence to the City’s by-laws and building regulations. Compliance is non-negotiable, as non-compliance not only endanger lives but also disrupts livelihoods. We urge all residents and business owners to comply fully with the law.”
MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services Department, Cllr Sekwaila, added:
“We are committed to ensuring that all businesses operate within the legal framework. Our inspections have revealed widespread non-compliance, including the sale of illicit goods and illegal electricity connections. We will continue working closely with law enforcement to maintain a consistent presence in the area.”
The City remains committed to restoring order, improving service delivery, and ensuring a safe, clean, and compliant inner-city environment for all residents and businesses.
SUPPLIED.
