
African Transformation Movement (ATM) President and Member of Parliament, Vuyo Zungula, has called on the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to urgently expropriate abandoned and hijacked buildings in major urban areas. In a letter addressed to Minister Dean Mcpherson on January 27, Zungula emphasized the need to convert these spaces into student accommodation and other public-use facilities.
Zungula emphasized that neglected buildings, particularly in areas like South Beach (Durban) and Hillbrow (Johannesburg), have become hotspots for criminal activities, including drug and human trafficking. He warned that families living in these unsafe conditions continue to suffer from insecurity, while crime syndicates operate freely.
To address these issues, Zungula proposed converting the expropriated buildings into student accommodation to ease the financial strain on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). The organization currently struggles with over R40 million in unpaid rent, leaving many students without access to affordable housing. Repurposing these buildings could provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution.
Beyond student housing, Zungula suggested additional public uses for these buildings, such as affordable housing projects, business spaces for small enterprises, and community development centers. He believes these measures would stimulate economic growth, empower vulnerable populations, and enhance urban development.
He also highlighted the state’s reliance on private landlords, which costs taxpayers approximately R5 billion annually in rent payments. Expropriating and repurposing these abandoned properties could significantly reduce government spending while fostering a safer and more structured urban environment.
As South African cities continue to face rising crime rates and housing shortages, Zungula’s proposal stresses the urgency of government intervention. His appeal calls for decisive action and collaboration among stakeholders to implement a long-term solution that benefits both students and communities.