THE City of Joburg has welcomed a court ruling against the owners of Marble Towers, describing it as a major victory in its campaign to restore law and order in the inner city.
In an urgent application by the building's owners, the court found that the structures at Marble Towers were unlawful, as no approved building plans had been submitted to the city.
The court further ruled that the applicant had failed to prove urgency or establish grounds for an interim interdict.
Importantly, the court confirmed that the city has authority to enforce compliance with building regulations and fire safety laws.
However, it clarified that demolitions must follow proper legal procedures under the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act.
The ruling gives owners time to regularise the structures, submit compliant building plans, address fire safety concerns and secure the site.
The applicant was also ordered to pay the city's legal costs.
Briefing the media on Thursday, 28 May, Joburg Mayor Dada Morero said the city had repeatedly warned the owners before taking the matter to court.
"Following our letters to Marble Towers, based on our inspection services, the owners of the buildings themselves didn't take any corrective measures, which led to us going to court," said Morero.
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He said the court ordered Marble Towers to immediately stop all construction activities, secure unsafe and non-compliant structures within 72 hours, remove encroachments on municipal property and public spaces, submit compliant building plans within 20 days, and address all fire, health, and safety concerns identified by the city.
"We firmly believe the court has confirmed the City of Joburg's view.
"I must say we had presented these options before to their lawyers before we even went to court as proposals to help settle the matter out of court, which they declined."
Morero said the judgment strengthened the city's efforts to rejuvenate Joburg's inner city.
"We're reclaiming the city precinct by precinct. We've now reclaimed one of the critical areas, which is Small Street and Marble Towers."
The mayor added that investors had already shown renewed interest in the area.
"There're investors who've already been attempting to invest in Small Street but were pushed back by lawlessness there. Some have already indicated they intend building student accommodation in that precinct."
Addressing concerns about illegal occupants and traders, Morero said lawful traders operating in approved spaces would not be affected.
"If you're renting a legal space, we won't tamper with it. But if you're in an illegal structure, we'll remove it."
The city also confirmed that if the owners fail to comply with the court order within the stipulated 72 hours, officials could move in to enforce the ruling.
Morero further indicated that future inner-city operations would continue alongside the Department of Home Affairs to verify the legal status of undocumented foreign nationals operating in the area.
"We have a responsibility with Home Affairs to ensure that those who are undocumented are returned to their country of origin."
The mayor also used the briefing to update residents on Joburg Water's maintenance programme, stating that affected systems were gradually recovering and that water tankers would continue to service impacted communities.
