Focus on Africa Can Johannesburg reclaim 'hijacked' buildings?
Nov 10, 2025
Ayanda Charlie, a BBC Africa Eye reporter, dives into Johannesburg's hijacked buildings crisis, revealing shocking living conditions and the tactics used by criminals to seize properties. Nkosinati Sitole, a senior attorney at SERI, discusses the legal hurdles residents face and the challenges of evictions. Meanwhile, Toda Opeyemi reports on the turmoil surrounding the Museum of West African Art in Nigeria, where protests highlight issues of cultural heritage and local grievances. It's a gripping exploration of urban struggles and cultural conflicts in Africa.
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Inner City Decay Fuels Criminal Control
- Johannesburg's city centre hosts hundreds of abandoned derelict buildings which fuel crime and decay.
- These sites reflect long-term neglect and a complex mix of criminal syndicates and social housing failure.
Resident Tour Reveals Hazardous Living
- A resident showed Ayanda Charlie a unit with no water or electricity and solar lights for lighting.
- They cook with gas stoves and have no fire extinguishers, increasing risk in emergencies.
Ex-Hijacker Admits Recruitment And Regret
- An ex-hijacker described being recruited young to appropriate buildings for gangs and other criminal activity.
- He confessed regret, acknowledging people died and went missing because of his actions.