Small businesses operating from illegal rental buildings in the City of Tshwane are finding themselves caught in the middle of municipal demolition operations targeting unapproved developments and unsafe structures.
As the City intensifies integrated by-law enforcement campaigns, buildings used for accommodation, and business activity are being disconnected from water and electricity services. With some later demolished under court-backed enforcement actions.
Municipal officials argue that many of the targeted properties operate illegally, lack proper documentation, and pose safety risks.
Illegal buildings targeted in crackdown
During a by-law enforcement operation in Pretoria West on 23 March, Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya said officials targeted illegally constructed buildings linked to George Asaba, a Nigerian national.
“The properties are non-compliant and were built without approval, with illegal connections to both water and electricity.Approximately 40 student accommodation rooms were also found to be under construction on the site,” Moya said.
She said the City would take decisive action against illegal developments.
“The city will not take these violations lightly and will take decisive action against both the owner and the properties.”
In another operation on 19 May, Moya said a separate illegal rental complex was also targeted.
“This is an illegal housing complex with 31 rooms built by an Ethiopian national. Tenants are charged R2,500 per month. We have disconnected water and electricity during an Integrated By-Law Enforcement operation conducted this afternoon by Tshwane teams.”
The statements reflect the City’s growing focus on illegal rental schemes operating outside municipal planning and zoning regulations.
Court grants demolition order
The City of Tshwane said the High Court had granted a final interdict, eviction and demolition order against Asaba’s Proclamation Hill property in Pretoria West.
In a statement, MMC for Corporate and Shared Services Cllr Flora Monama said the court order was issued on 25 May 2026, halting the unlawful construction and authorising the removal of illegal structures and occupants.
The property was found to violate zoning regulations that permit only a single dwelling house on the site, with construction carried out without approved building plans.
“The unauthorised structure was built entirely without approved building plans,” Monama said.
Salons and spaza shops also targeted
The crackdown has also expanded to include small businesses operating from illegal or non-compliant premises.
In Winterveldt, the City shut down Alvas Supermarket during a Tshwane Ya Tima operation.
“An unregistered spaza shop that is stealing electricity and water from the City of Tshwane. We’ve removed both illegal connections and closed the spaza shop,” Moya said.
“Spaza shop and bakery has been shut down for operating without a trading licence.”
In other operations, the City confirmed the closure of additional informal businesses.
Small businesses caught in demolitions
For some entrepreneurs and tenants, the demolitions and shutdowns come as a shock after months of paying rent to landlords believed to be operating legally.
“This judgment sends an unambiguous message to all rogue developers. If you build illegally in Tshwane, we will take you to court, and we will demolish your structures,” Monama cautioned.
