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​'I am pleased to see the progress that has made since my last visit. I however encourage all involved to continue to work with the City, so we can complete this project as quickly as possible, especially given the clear and present threat from unlawful occupation in this area.

'As with all of our projects, we work according to the Housing Allocation Policy and the Housing Needs Register to be sure of a fair and organised approach to the allocation of opportunities, given the immense need. This objective and centralised approach to housing allocations is necessary because how else could it be decided objectively who benefits from an opportunity and who does not?

'It is important that we complete our projects in the shortest possible timeframe as our housing projects across the metro remain under threat of unlawful occupation. Unlawful land occupation is illegal. It is stealing land and stealing opportunities from those who are lawfully on the Register and from those who are in the process of receiving their affordable housing opportunity.

'Queue jumping in this manner for housing opportunities and services is unacceptable. The City will do everything in its power to protect its projects and the rightful beneficiaries. Residents and communities are encouraged to work with the City in its efforts to protect beneficiaries, projects and services by alerting us to all attempts to unlawfully occupy land,' said Councillor Booi.

Beneficiaries are selected in accordance with the City's Housing Allocation Policy and Housing Needs Register to ensure housing opportunities are made available in a fair and transparent manner that prevents queue jumping and to those who qualify for housing as per the South African legislation.

Anonymous tip offs are welcome:

Residents can give anonymous tip offs if they are aware of illegal activity such as unlawful occupations that is taking place; that has happened or is still to happen. Please call 112 from a cell phone (toll free) and 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 for emergencies.​

For more information on demands for services from recently unlawfully occupied areas, please see: /media-and-news/large-scale-unlawful-occupations-driving-demands-for-basic-services

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