City of Tshwane’s Probe into Illegal Suburb Fuels Hopefulness

The Tshwane City government has formed a mayoral sub-committee to investigate 17 unauthorized neighborhoods.

According to city spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, in many cases, formal applications for townships were neversubmitted, and crucial environmental and planning approvals were disregarded. These developments are taking place on both municipal and private land.

Read: Nearly five years and R38m later, Mamelodi families still lack a clinic

Mashigo mentioned that the investigation commenced on May 14. However, GroundUp had previously highlighted the illegal status of Leeuwfontein, a suburb adjacent to Mamelodi, several years ago. In July 2023, City spokesperson Selby Bokaba confirmed that Tshwane had started an investigation into the matter.

During that time, we met residents who had paid R80,000 for plots and built sizable homes. Many had lived there for over five years but still did not have access to tap water, electricity, waste collection, or road maintenance.

They bought their plots from Mirror Developers, operated by Malesela Marema, but never received title deeds. Marema alleged that the City was unhelpful in formalizing the development. He expressed his willingness to hand over ownership of Leeuwfontein to the City as he was unable to provide essential services.

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Capital city silent on ‘investigation’ into illegal suburb
City of Tshwane investigates illegal suburb

Mashigo noted that the 17 illegal townships differ from informal settlements because landowners permitted formal homes to be built on their properties. However, these unauthorized developments lack proper service provisions, raising safety and other concerns.

Mashigo stated that the mayoral sub-committee would evaluate legal implications, interact with communities and property owners, and develop a policy to tackle these illegal developments.

Mashigo indicated that the City was supplying basic water services and portable toilets.

Leeuwfontein resident Mapule Masigo told GroundUp that she bought four stands from Marema for R30,000 each in 2009.

“I have lived here since 2013,” she said. “But we still depend on water tanks on our streets provided by the municipality. The municipality needs to conclude its investigation and formalize this area.”

Read: Multimillion-rand homes emerging in illegal Tshwane development

Zanele Motau reported that she purchased her plot for R75,000 in 2012.

“I invested a significant amount in my stand,” said Motau. “But I have to push a wheelbarrow to fetch water from the street every day.

“We need water, electricity, and other essential services.”

Alfred Makhalemele acquired his plot for R30,000 in 2009. He is worried that, without legal title, his children won’t inherit.

“I have a stand, yet it feels as if I live in a squatter camp,” he commented.

© 2025 GroundUp. This article was first published here.

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