04/09/2026
Joburg intensifies by-law enforcement to restore order in the Inner City
The City of Johannesburg has intensified integrated by-law enforcement operations in Region F (Inner City) as part of Executive Mayor Cllr Dada Morero's High Impact Service Delivery Programme. The multidisciplinary operation, aimed at accelerating service delivery, strengthening regulatory compliance and driving urban rejuvenation, was conducted on Thursday, 3 September 2026 and led by Mayor Morero alongside Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMCs), senior municipal officials, and law enforcement agencies.
Targeting non-compliant properties, illegal trading, environmental health violations, and outdoor advertising contraventions, five dedicated teams inspected several buildings and commercial operations across wards 59, 60, 62, 63, 123, and 124. Key operational areas included the Hillbrow precinct, Joubert Park 1 and 2, the High Court precinct and the Eastern Gateway precinct.
During the sweep, officials confiscated illicit goods and illegal gas cylinders and generators, issued compliance notices to non-compliant businesses, shut down unlicensed trading activities, and removed a massive illegal billboard. Near the MTN Taxi rank, authorities disconnected and seized an illegal generator connected directly to municipal infrastructure. In Hillbrow along Twist Street, officers impounded illegal chicken cages and trolleys and uncovered drugs.
“We are continuing with our by-law enforcement project, removing illegal structures and illegal trading," said Mayor Morero.
“The programme continues until we get the inner city right. Safe, clean, and compliant buildings are essential to restoring investor confidence, stimulating economic growth, and creating an environment where legitimate businesses can thrive. We remain unwavering in our commitment to reclaiming every part of our inner city."
Region F Regional Director Irene Mafune said the initiative complements the region's dedicated Law Enforcement Task Team, which conducts coordinated sweeps every Tuesday and Thursday to address illegal land use, non-compliant buildings, and environmental health violations.
“These operations send a clear message that non-compliance with municipal by-laws will not be tolerated. Working alongside our municipal entities and law enforcement partners, we are systematically restoring order and creating conditions that support sustainable development."
Highlighting the enforcement action against illegal outdoor advertising, Joburg Property Company CEO Musah Makhunga said teams dismantled an unapproved billboard that violated municipal regulations and posed a severe safety hazard.
“The billboard did not comply with outdoor advertising by-laws or Emergency Management Services compliance standards, as it was blocking building windows and presented a major fire hazard. We will continue pushing hard because illegal outdoor advertising is still mushrooming. The revenue collected through proper compliance will assist the City in addressing critical service delivery challenges, including infrastructure maintenance."
