ActionSA leader, Herman Mashaba. Picture: Michel Bega Days before the country enters an election year, political parties are already squabbling over the crisis in Johannesburg’s inner city. The country will hold local government elections in 2026, and Johannesburg is among the most contested metros.
Earlier this week, Public Safety MMC Mgcini Tshwaku told reporters that the city will be negotiating with residents of a hijacked building in the CBD. He said these residents are tired of being harassed and want to pay rates. However, ActionSA’s Herman Mashaba strongly opposed this idea.
He told Tshwaku through his X account that it is tantamount to negotiating with criminals. Mashaba explained that a number of criminal activities take place in hijacked buildings in the inner city, including human trafficking and harbouring illegal immigrants. He said in most cases these buildings are not fit for human habitation.
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But in a statement on Saturday, the ANC defended Tshwaku, who is an EFF councillor. It said the ruling coalition in Johannesburg is not negotiating with criminals. “The ANC in Greater Joburg region will not permit thecomplex challenge of hijacked buildingsto be trivialised by campaign theatrics from a politician who has already failed Johannesburg.
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