Home / City of Johannesburg, NEWS / A City of Johannesburg Press Statement by the MMC for Development Planning, Cllr Belinda Echeozonjoku: Issuance of Certificates of Occupation reinstated

A City of Johannesburg Press Statement by the MMC for Development Planning, Cllr Belinda Echeozonjoku: Issuance of Certificates of Occupation reinstated

Posted on December 29 2021 by Gert Minnaar in City of Johannesburg, NEWS

Release: Immediate

29 December 2021

The MMC for Development Planning, Cllr Belinda Echeozonjoku, has lifted the temporary halt on
the issuance of certificates of occupancy (CoO) and temporary occupation, with effect from
Monday, 3 January 2022, as she is satisfied with the corrective measures put in place by the
department, which will prevent fraudulent CoOs from being issued.

These irregular CoOs put the lives of residents and safety officials in danger, and damage the
reputation of the City in being able to uphold the rule of law.

On 17 December 2021, Cllr Echeozonjoku issued an internal moratorium to temporarily halt the
issuing of CoOs until 10 January 2022, in order to address concerns raised by Councillors, industry
organisations, and members of the public.

These included CoOs issued in the names of officials who had already left the department, CoOs
issued without proper supporting documentation, and CoOs issued in 2021 but stamped with
dates in 2022. Additional allegations are currently being investigated.

“It is my duty as MMC to serve the residents of Johannesburg and do everything in my power to
ensure their safety. The temporary halt was the most responsible step to take under the
circumstances, but I am now satisfied by the corrective measures put in place by the department,
which included a thorough investigation of all certificates issued, the recall of irregular certificates,
and stronger quality control measures in place,” said Cllr Echeozonjoku.

The authority to grant approval for occupancy of buildings and structures, she added, is delegated
to the City through the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act 103 of 1977,
including fire compliance and environmental health.

“We can’t forget the tragic events of 5 September 2018, where three firefighters, Sphiwe
Maropane, Khathutshelo Muedi, and Mduduzi Ndlovu, lost their lives in the line of duty while
saving the lives of provincial government officials at the Bank of Lisbon building in the inner city.
This building was found to be non-compliant with fire and other safety regulations, which means
it should not have had a certificate of occupancy.”

“One life lost due to any kind of negligence is one life too many. Corruption costs lives and I urge
everyone to report any allegations to the City through the anti-corruption hotline,” she said.

The Executive Director, Ms Amolemo Mothoagae, committed to resolving all allegations and
further assured that measures will be put in place to stop potential fraud and corruption from
happening.

Cllr Echeozonjoku will conduct unannounced site visits at some of the properties that have been
issued with irregular CoOs in January 2022, to investigate the allegations and ensure that proper
processes are being followed.

“Thank you to the ED and her team for acting swiftly on the reported allegations and prioritising
the delivery of quality services to the residents of Johannesburg,” Cllr Echeozonjoku added.

  • End –

Media enquiries

Poppy Louw

Chief Specialist: Communication and Stakeholder Liaison

Development Planning

poppyl@joburg.org.za

081 235 4999