EThekwini regeneration efforts gain momentum and lead to a decrease in problem buildings
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Date: 2025-07-11 15:43:03

EThekwini regeneration efforts gain momentum and lead to a decrease in problem buildings

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
11 JULY 2025
 
ETHEKWINI REGENERATION EFFORTS GAIN MOMENTUM AND LEAD TO A DECREASE IN PROBLEM BUILDINGS
 
EThekwini Municipality has made significant progress in revitalising the inner city, with the Problem Buildings Division effectively dealing with 47 derelict buildings since its inception in 2019. 
 
This achievement marks a major milestone in the City’s broader Urban Regeneration Strategy.
 
In the 2024/25 financial year, 22 buildings were addressed through a combination of safety interventions, partial and full demolitions, and structural repairs. 
 
These efforts span both the inner city and surrounding regions, targeting buildings across various ownership types.
 
The City has achieved tangible results over the past two years. 
 
Eleven buildings were refurbished by their owners following the City’s intervention. 
 
A further six buildings, including the well-known Chinese Emporium, were demolished and sixteen buildings underwent critical repairs to improve safety.
 
Currently, the City is renovating six additional buildings as part of its ongoing commitment to urban renewal. 
 
These include 172 Mahatma Gandhi Road, 502 Mahatma Gandhi Road, 107 Anton Lembede Street, 12 Dr Pixley KaSeme Street, 15 Milton Road, and 71 Wills Road.
 
These renovations focus on structural safety, aesthetic improvements, and securing buildings to prevent illegal occupation. 
 
Priority is given to buildings that pose immediate risk to public safety.
 
EThekwini City Manager, Musa Mbhele emphasised the importance of addressing derelict buildings.
 
“Tackling problem buildings is essential to restoring business confidence and attracting investment. Once a derelict building has been restored, it positively impacts the neighbourhood, addresses crime and vagrancy, improves the public realm and boosts aesthetic appeal of an area,” said Mbhele.
 
Tackling problem buildings also attracts positive influence back into the area, said the City Manager.
 
“This aligns with our vision of becoming the most caring and livable City,” he said.
 
Mbhele explained that the City follows a rigorous legal process before intervening in privately-owned properties. 
 
This includes issuing notices in line with the National Building Regulations, engaging with property owners to encourage voluntary compliance and as a last resort, applying to the High Court for authority to renovate or demolish buildings when owners fail to act.
 
The City recovers costs from errant property owners and may pursue legal action, including prosecution and rate code penalties—up to 24.8 times the standard rate. 
 
In extreme cases, the City may apply for a sale in execution to recover outstanding debts.
 
The City encourages property owners to maintain their buildings and offers several incentives for those who comply. 
 
These include tax benefits through the South African Revenue Services urban development zones, up to 50 percent reduction in development application fees and fast-tracking of building plan approvals.
 
EThekwini Municipality is also working closely with the Department of Public Works to address government-owned buildings. 
 
One such property, located at 9 and 14 Margaret Mncadi Avenue (Esplanade Government Building), has been earmarked for redevelopment.
 
Mbhele concluded: “Through its dedicated Problem Buildings Division and collaborative efforts with stakeholders, eThekwini Municipality continues to demonstrate its commitment to creating a safer, cleaner, and more vibrant urban environment. These initiatives not only enhance the City’s appeal but also foster investor confidence and community pride—laying the foundation for a more livable and prosperous eThekwini.”
 
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate.