The church, which has been the subject of residents’ complaints for some time, came under the spotlight when one section of the extensive renovations underway at the site collapsed on 7 October.
An urgent meeting of city officials took place on 10 October in an attempt to address the problem, and councillor Roslynn Greeff of the mayoral committee subsequently announced that an interim court interdict had been obtained to prevent Alleluia
Ministries from continuing its illegal building and worship activities.
According to Ward 81 councillor Margaret Radebe, a response from Alleluia Ministries is expected by 16 October, when, at a meeting between city officials, church affiliates, and the building’s architect, the religious organisation will be required to provide proof of its compliance with building and land use regulations. Until the issue is resolved, access to the church premises is forbidden and the area will be patrolled to ensure compliance with the interdict, said Radebe.
Although near-disaster is what spurred this action by the City of Joburg, Alleluia Ministries, which according to the city council possesses neither approved building plans nor permission to operate as a place of worship, has previously been issued with two orders to cease its illegal building activities. Radebe said last week she had received numerous complaints from residents concerning the noise from both construction and worship activities, as well as the illegal nature of the church’s operations.
Radebe further revealed that she has received a petition from the Lyndhurst community, calling for the closure of the church. However, she was unable to comment on the likelihood of a forced closure of Alleluia Ministries.
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