“Hijacked Buildings In Joburg CBD Are Hijacked By South Africans, Not Nigerians” Galston Anthony Say

Incoming Johannesburg mayor Galston Anthony has challenged claims linking hijacked buildings in the Johannesburg Central Business District (CBD) primarily to foreign nationals, arguing that South Africans are responsible for hijacking properties in the city.

Anthony’s remarks have brought renewed attention to the ongoing debate surrounding hijacked buildings, illegal occupation, housing challenges and the role of law enforcement in addressing the problem in South Africa’s economic hub.

“The hijacked buildings in Joburg CBD are hijacked by South Africans, not Nigerians, Congolese or Malawians,” Anthony said.

His statement challenges the tendency to associate building hijackings with foreign nationals, particularly people from other African countries, including Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Malawi.

Hijacked buildings have remained a major concern in Johannesburg, with questions surrounding property ownership, building safety, illegal occupation and the enforcement of municipal regulations continuing to feature in public discussions.

The issue has also contributed to tensions surrounding immigration, with some residents and political figures calling for stronger action against undocumented foreign nationals. However, Anthony’s comments shift the focus towards the responsibility of South African citizens in the occupation and control of properties in the inner city.

The problem of hijacked buildings is complex and can involve unlawful occupation, criminal activity, unsafe living conditions and disputes over property management. Addressing it requires authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding individual properties and identify those responsible for unlawful activities.

Anthony’s position also raises questions about the need to distinguish between building hijackings and broader concerns about immigration. While foreign nationals live and conduct business in Johannesburg, their presence alone does not establish responsibility for the unlawful occupation of a building.

The incoming mayor’s remarks could add to discussions about how the city should address the problem without unfairly blaming entire nationalities for criminal conduct.

Johannesburg authorities face pressure to improve building safety, enforce municipal bylaws and ensure that properties are managed in accordance with the law. Any response must also consider the rights and safety of people living in affected buildings.

Anthony’s statement places responsibility for hijacked buildings at the centre of the debate, challenging assumptions that foreign nationals are primarily responsible.

However, the extent to which South African citizens or foreign nationals are involved in specific cases must be established through reliable evidence rather than generalisations..l

Source; https://x.com/ThisIsColbert/status/2112932999180222600