How two Gauteng municipalities fight contravention of bylaws — and support SMMEs willing to comply
The mushrooming of illegally built structures, particularly homes and plots converted into business premises without municipal approval in Kempton Park, Pomona and Bredell, is one of the biggest challenges in the City of Ekurhuleni.
Businesspeople and the city are caught in this challenge as offending companies face penalties ranging from R500 to R5,000 per day for contravening bylaws. Some of the businesses' fines have accumulated to between R150,000 and R300,000.
The City of Tshwane is also faced with this challenge. Its built environment and enforcement division issues, on average, about 84 contravention notices per month to businesses operating without approved land use rights.
Tshwane economic development and spatial development MMC Sarah Mabotsa said if businesses fail to comply with the contravention notices matters are referred to court for prosecution.
'Contravention notices are also issued for illegal structures, and if there is a failure to comply with national building regulations, the matter is referred to court for prosecution.
'Where properties are being used for non-permitted land use, in addition to contravention notices and court action, which can sometimes result in demolition orders, the city is also able to charge those landowners with a punitive rates charge until the situation is rectified or the property is rezoned for the correct land use activity,' she said.
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