Malema Calls For Hijacked Johannesburg Buildings To Be Reclaimed And Converted Into Affordable Housing

By JD GLOBAL MEDIA

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has called for hijacked buildings in Johannesburg to be reclaimed by the city and converted into affordable housing and student accommodation, presenting the proposal as part of the party's approach to addressing urban housing challenges.

Malema made the remarks on Saturday, 31 October 2026, while addressing the EFF's final local government election rally at Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto. The rally, known as the Tshela Thupa Rally, marked the conclusion of the party's campaign ahead of South Africa's 4 November municipal elections.

He argued that buildings taken over by criminal syndicates were being used to exploit people who have limited housing options. According to Malema, some vulnerable residents are charged rent by individuals controlling properties without lawful authority.

He identified areas including Hillbrow, Berea, Jeppestown and Marshalltown as places where the problem of hijacked buildings has become a concern.

The EFF leader said the municipality should take action against unlawful occupation and consider converting suitable properties into accommodation for workers and students.

Housing proposal focuses on existing buildings

The proposal centres on making better use of buildings that could potentially serve a public housing purpose.

Johannesburg faces continuing pressure to provide affordable accommodation for people who need to live close to employment opportunities, educational institutions and public transport. Workers who cannot afford housing near their workplaces may have to travel long distances, increasing their daily transport costs and reducing the time available for family and other responsibilities.

Students also face accommodation difficulties, particularly when they attend institutions far from their family homes. Affordable accommodation near campuses can help reduce the financial pressure associated with studying.

Malema argued that converting suitable hijacked buildings into affordable housing and student accommodation could help address some of these challenges.

However, such a proposal would require detailed assessments before implementation. Authorities would need to establish ownership, determine the legal status of each property, inspect building safety and assess whether the structures can be rehabilitated.

Buildings that are structurally unsafe or lack essential services would require substantial work before they could be used as residential accommodation.

Concerns about criminal exploitation

Malema accused criminal syndicates of taking control of buildings and collecting rent from people who have few alternatives.

The allegation raises concerns about the vulnerability of tenants who may pay money without receiving the protections normally associated with lawful rental arrangements.

People living in overcrowded or poorly maintained buildings can face problems involving sanitation, electricity, water supply, fire safety and access to emergency services.

The risks can become particularly serious where building management is not accountable to residents or where unlawful connections and alterations create dangerous conditions.

Johannesburg has previously experienced the consequences of unsafe buildings. The Marshalltown building fire in August 2023 killed 76 people and exposed serious concerns about building safety, overcrowding and the conditions in which vulnerable residents were living.

Malema referred to the tragedy while making his argument about the need for stronger action against people exploiting residents through the unlawful occupation and control of buildings.

The fire remains an important reminder that housing policy cannot be separated from public safety. Any plan to rehabilitate buildings must include proper inspections, fire protection, sanitation and reliable access to essential services.

EFF defends its position on coalition government

The rally also provided Malema with an opportunity to defend the EFF's record in coalition arrangements with other political parties.

With coalition governments expected to remain important in several South African municipalities, he described the EFF as a stable coalition partner that places public interests above political positions.

He said the party respected agreements made with other political organisations but would not remain silent when it believed coalition partners were acting improperly.

Malema argued that accountability should remain a priority even when taking a position against a coalition partner could place the party's political positions at risk.

He used the water crisis in Bronkhorstspruit as an example of the EFF's approach to accountability. According to his account, the party had taken action over concerns about unsafe drinking water in the area despite participating in the governing coalition.

The EFF said it had opened a criminal case involving the mayor and city manager of Tshwane and approached oversight institutions over the matter.

These claims formed part of Malema's argument that coalition agreements should not prevent political parties from raising concerns about municipal performance.

Municipal service delivery remains central

Water supply, sanitation, electricity, housing and road maintenance were among the issues highlighted in the EFF's final campaign message.

Malema said communities should not continue experiencing unreliable basic services while municipal authorities fail to address longstanding infrastructure problems.

At the rally, he also criticised municipal corruption and alleged that political connections and tender manipulation were undermining service delivery.

Such allegations are serious and must be assessed through investigations and evidence. They should not be treated as established findings against particular individuals unless supported by the relevant legal or investigative processes.

The party's broader campaign message focused on insourcing municipal workers, creating local employment opportunities, improving housing delivery and ensuring that residents receive reliable services.

The EFF has argued that municipalities should strengthen their own capacity rather than depend excessively on outsourcing work that could be performed by municipal employees.

The practical success of these proposals would depend on municipal finances, staffing, procurement controls and the ability of councils to manage projects effectively.

Johannesburg faces difficult housing decisions

Johannesburg's housing challenges require coordinated action involving municipal authorities, provincial government and other relevant institutions.

The city must balance the need to address unlawful building occupation with the constitutional rights and immediate needs of people who require shelter.

Removing occupants without providing a lawful and workable process can create further hardship, particularly for families with children, elderly residents and people who depend on nearby employment.

At the same time, authorities must address unsafe buildings and investigate criminal activity where evidence supports such action.

A programme to convert suitable properties into affordable accommodation would therefore require clear procedures for identifying buildings, resolving ownership questions, assessing structural conditions and determining who qualifies for housing.

It would also require transparent management to prevent rehabilitated buildings from becoming vulnerable to the same problems that led to their unlawful occupation.

Voters to decide municipal leadership

The EFF's rally took place ahead of the local government elections scheduled for Wednesday, 4 November 2026.

The election will determine the composition of municipal councils across the country and influence which parties take responsibility for local administration.

The party has campaigned on improving basic services, expanding employment opportunities, addressing housing needs and strengthening accountability in municipalities.

Its position on hijacked buildings forms part of a wider argument that local government should respond more effectively to the housing difficulties facing workers and students.

Whether the proposal can be implemented will depend on the powers available to municipalities, the legal status of individual properties, funding and the practical arrangements required to make buildings safe for occupation.

For Johannesburg residents, the debate highlights the connection between housing affordability, public safety, urban management and municipal accountability.

The EFF's final rally gave Malema an opportunity to place these issues before supporters as the party prepared for election day. The election will determine the level of public support for its programme and whether it gains greater influence over municipal decisions in Johannesburg and other parts of South Africa.