JOHANNESBURG - The Democratic Alliance's Johannesburg mayoral candidate Helen Zille said outdated city by-laws are hindering efforts to revive Johannesburg and restore its infrastructure and economy.
Zille argued that current legislation makes it difficult to deal with illegal land occupation and building invasions, which she believes are key contributors to urban decay in parts of the city.
The DA is now advocating for changes to national legislation governing evictions, saying the reforms would make it easier to remove unlawful occupants from invaded properties and illegally occupied buildings.
“We’re working very hard in Parliament and very close to amending the Prevention of Illegal Eviction Act to make it much easier to move people out of invaded buildings or illegally occupied properties,” Zille said.
Zille said the proposed legislative changes are aimed at ensuring “a functioning, safe, and economically viable city,” arguing that Johannesburg cannot recover without stronger enforcement mechanisms.