Illegal businesses occupying government properties in Mthatha have been given a 14-day ultimatum to legitimize their operations by securing legal leases from the Eastern Cape Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. This directive came as part of “Operation Bring Back” (OBB), an initiative focused on reclaiming government properties that have been illegally seized by unauthorized individuals.
During a visit to the Mthatha CBD, Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, alongside MEC Siphokazi Lusithi, served eviction orders to businesses ranging from driving schools to hardware stores. The officials reassured the business owners that, should they comply with the legal process, they would be able to continue operating without disruption.
“We don’t aim to shut down legal businesses, but rather ensure that rents are paid to the rightful owners, not criminal syndicates that have hijacked government property,” Zikalala stated.
Currently, 82 properties across the province are navigating legal processes, with 57 eviction orders already in place. The goal is to complete 36 evictions by the end of the 2024/2025 fiscal year, ensuring legal compliance while safeguarding tenant rights.
The MEC stressed that these illegal occupations undermine the state’s revenue potential and exploit small business owners, who often don’t realize they are paying rent to bogus landlords. Lusithi further emphasized efforts to protect businesses by negotiating lease regularizations and ensuring government assets are safeguarded.
Operation Bring Back signals the province’s determination to restore order and protect both public property and small business owners from exploitation.
