Tshwane plans to lease reclaimed buildings in Pretoria West to legitimate businesses, following the eviction of tenants with unpaid bills. This is part of a broader effort to boost economic growth, ahead of the Tshwane Investment Summit.

Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya says the city intends to reposition Pretoria West as a manufacturing hub. “We have not been getting any money for electricity and water and our people have not been using it to build their business”, Moya says. “The city envisions Pretoria West as a thriving industrial zone that contributes meaningfully to growth and employment.”  

According to Moya, the precinct has been plagued with unlawful occupants contributing to structural neglect, unpaid services and illegal electricity connections: issues resulting in fire hazards, overload to the grid and negative implications for public safety.

Kholofelo Morodi, Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate and Shared Services, added: “Pretoria West Precinct is one of many strategic properties the city will be securing and restoring to operational dignity. These buildings are not abandoned – they are being repositioned to fuel inclusive growth, job creation, and spatial justice.” She also said that the operation will be carried out lawfully and peacefully.

Morodi confirmed that similar operations were planned across all seven regions of the city. “The city will continue to reclaim hijacked infrastructure and transform it into secure, functional, and economically productive spaces,” she said.


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