The City of Johannesburg will institute a forensic investigation to determine who authorised the unlawful transfer of Diepkloof Hostel in Soweto to private hands—without the knowledge or approval of Council or senior City officials.
This was announced by the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Human Settlements, Cllr Mlungisi Mabaso, during a visit to the hostel on Monday, 19 May 2025, following community unrest linked to the sale.
The visit came after residents barricaded roads and set tyres alight in protest over the reported sale of the land they have occupied for years. Tragically, two lives were lost during the violent demonstrations.
MMC Mabaso said: “I’ve asked the Executive Mayor that we cease all internal consultations on this matter and immediately institute a forensic investigation to uncover who in the municipality authorised this transfer.
“In Johannesburg, the law is clear: no municipal land can be transferred without a Council resolution. I’ve served as a councillor for nine years and have not seen any such resolution regarding the Diepkloof Hostel land.”
The MMC added that preliminary information suggests a junior manager—without proper authority—was among the signatories involved in the irregular transaction. “One of the signatories is not even a director, but a lower-level manager. This raises serious governance concerns. We need a full forensic probe to establish accountability.”
The City’s Human Settlements Department became aware of the sale during a scheduled site inspection to prepare for a redevelopment project. The department has since reinforced its commitment to housing delivery, especially for long-standing hostel residents.
A draft Hostel Redevelopment Policy has already been presented to izinduna this year, outlining how the City plans to improve living conditions in hostels as part of its broader vision for a caring city that provides dignified accommodation for all residents.
“The illegal sale will not derail our development plans for Diepkloof Hostel,” MMC Mabaso stated. “In July, I will return with Joburg Water to introduce a contractor to commence critical infrastructure upgrades. I’ve asked officials to approach the courts to lift the interdict currently blocking the project.”
MMC Mabaso confirmed that the City will not engage with the alleged private owners outside of legal proceedings. “I will not sit in a meeting to discuss R18 million that could be used to deliver proper housing and services. We will meet them in court.”
He extended his condolences to the families of the two residents who tragically lost their lives during the protest, reaffirming the City’s unwavering commitment to addressing housing needs and promoting social justice.
Written by Penwell Dlamini