The vibrant suburb of Norwood, once known for its charming streets and thriving local businesses, is facing a mounting crisis. Despite the relentless efforts of Ward 73 councillor Eleanor Huggett and the Norwood Oaklands Residents Association (Nora), illegal building activities continue to spread like wildfire. This lawlessness has left residents frustrated, and property values at risk, while the City of Johannesburg seems to turn a blind eye.
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Since December last year, Huggett and Nora have been working to halt unlawful construction projects that have begun to dominate Norwood’s landscape. Properties such as 114-116 Nellie Road, where the construction of additional shops on land meant for parking violates zoning permissions, and 103 William Road, where illegal construction is underway without approved plans or relaxation of building lines. These are examples of violations that threaten the safety of residents and the integrity of the area.
“The illegal electrical connections and gas installations pose a danger to everyone,” Huggett explained, frustration etched in her voice. “And yet, despite multiple reports and pleas, the city council has failed to take meaningful action.”
The scale of the problem is staggering. From illegal nightclubs such as on Frances Road, which defies zoning laws and disturbs the peace with late-night noise, to 98 Algernon Road, where building alterations were carried out without approved plans, Norwood is becoming a hotspot for lawlessness. Properties at 90 Iris Road and 95-101 Iris Road have also been caught up in illegal demolitions and constructions without proper approvals, further undermining the area’s charm and safety.
According to Nora’s town planning and heritage representative, Nic Botha, the lack of response from the city is alarming. “The council is failing to enforce bylaws,” he claimed. “Despite repeated complaints and letters, there’s been no attempt to prosecute offenders, and no clarity provided on whether these sites have been inspected. It’s as if the city has given up on Norwood.”
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The inaction has left residents in a bind. Many feel their hands are tied, knowing that their complaints often bounce between different authorities without resolution. “We’ve been told to call JMPD but when we do, they pass the buck back to Building Control, who in turn claim it’s a JMPD issue. It’s a never-ending cycle of deflection,” Botha added.
For Norwood residents, the impact of these unchecked violations goes beyond aesthetics or minor inconveniences. It’s about safety, community integrity, and the future of their neighbourhood. Illegal electrical and gas installations pose a real danger, while the increasing congestion caused by unlawful construction projects affects traffic flow and pedestrian access.
The Norwood SAPS spokesperson Warrant Officer Eric Masotsha highlighted the authorities’ efforts to address these concerns. “Indeed, it is a major concern to us but so far we have already started with the building inspectors during our joint operation,” he said. “On September 9, we held a joint operation with building control inspectors, EMS, environmental health, and local security companies, not forgetting our CPF members.” He added the operation went successfully and at least four buildings were inspected and three of them were non-compliant. “Those three buildings’ owners were penalised, asked to provide their building plans, and summoned to appear before a court of law. Summonses were issued by both the building control inspectorate and EMS. The findings for all those buildings included extensions on top of the building and unserviced fire extinguishers. The operation will be an ongoing process from now onwards.”
Addressing the ongoing investigation, Nthatisi Modingoane, spokesperson for the City of Johannesburg, offered some reassurance: “The City is conducting investigations on the said properties, and at the conclusion of this investigation, which takes about a month, feedback will be provided to the Councillor accordingly.”
However, many residents remain frustrated by what they see as the City’s inefficiency. Attorney Kim Warren, who has assisted NORA in filing requests for information, highlighted the Council’s indifference. “We lodged a PAIA (Promotion of Access to Information Act) request concerning the building at 118 Ivy Road, but the City claimed they had no records of infractions, despite those infractions being officially noted in Council papers,” Warren says. “The City’s inaction leaves us with no choice but to take legal steps to enforce the bylaws ourselves.”
For Huggett and the community of Norwood, the struggle continues. “Illegal buildings are swallowing Grant Avenue, overcrowding, and refuse dumping,” she laments. “The City’s failure to act is affecting businesses, property values, and the quality of life for everyone here.”
As Norwood residents grapple with this growing crisis, the once-vibrant neighbourhood sits at a crossroads. The question on everyone’s mind remains: how long will the City of Johannesburg continue to ignore its responsibility before irreversible damage is done to this beloved community?
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