Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, has officially launched a bold nationwide campaign aimed at reclaiming hijacked state-owned properties across South Africa. The campaign kicked off in Cape Town, where Zikalala personally served eviction notices to more than 100 illegal occupants in the areas of Goodwood and Khayelitsha.
Zikalala’s campaign targets unlawful occupiers who have taken over state buildings—many of which are listed in the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure’s immovable asset register. The campaign represents a strong stance by the government to take back control of public infrastructure and ensure it is used for its intended purpose.
“We have found that there is a trend where people will see unoccupied buildings and then they take them over illegally. It goes to the extent of renting them out as if they own them,” said Zikalala during his visit to the affected sites.
Zikalala Warns of Strict Enforcement and Police Involvement
According to Zikalala, the illegal occupants have been given until midnight on Sunday to vacate the properties voluntarily. Should they fail to comply, law enforcement agencies will step in to enforce the evictions.
This uncompromising approach signals a shift in the government’s handling of property hijackings, which have been on the rise in urban areas. Many of these state-owned buildings were meant for public service use or to be redeveloped for community purposes but have instead been turned into informal dwellings or even sublet by illegal occupiers for personal gain.
“We are not going to tolerate criminal syndicates profiting off government infrastructure. These are assets that belong to the people of South Africa,” Zikalala stated.
The properties targeted during the campaign are part of the Department’s immovable asset register, which tracks government-owned buildings and infrastructure. Many of these properties have been left abandoned or underutilized for years, making them prime targets for illegal occupation.
Zikalala emphasized the importance of reclaiming these buildings so they can be repurposed for public benefit, including social housing, educational facilities, and government offices.
“We are going to roll out this campaign all over the country to ensure that we reclaim government buildings,” said Zikalala. “This is not just about removing illegal occupants; it’s about restoring dignity to our public infrastructure.”
While Cape Town was the first city to see action, Zikalala confirmed that similar operations will be launched in Johannesburg, Durban, Tshwane, and other metros in the coming weeks. The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has already identified a list of priority properties that are currently occupied illegally.
The campaign includes close coordination with local municipalities, law enforcement, and legal entities to ensure all actions are in accordance with the law. Zikalala has also called on communities to support the initiative and report any suspicious activity involving public buildings.
“We need the support of communities to put a stop to this. Public infrastructure is not for sale or private use. It is meant to serve every South African,” he said.
Despite the strong message, Zikalala acknowledged that the campaign will not be without challenges. In many cases, the occupants include vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly. Zikalala assured the public that the government is exploring alternative accommodation and working with social development agencies to ensure a humane approach where possible.
“We must act within the boundaries of the law and with compassion. But we cannot allow our infrastructure to be held hostage by unlawful occupation,” said Zikalala.
Looking ahead, Zikalala said the department plans to repurpose many of the reclaimed buildings into facilities that address the country’s social and economic needs. These include affordable housing projects, educational institutions, and government service centres.
The Deputy Minister has also highlighted the importance of maintaining and securing state assets to prevent future hijackings.
“We are not just evicting people; we are putting in place systems to ensure that these buildings are maintained, monitored, and used correctly,” said Zikalala.
With this high-profile campaign, Sihle Zikalala has made it clear that the illegal occupation of state-owned properties will no longer be tolerated. His leadership marks a pivotal shift in the government’s approach to property management and urban governance.
As the campaign expands across the country, all eyes will be on Zikalala and his team to deliver on their promise to restore public assets for the benefit of all South Africans.
Source- EWN
