By Thapelo Molefe
The City of Johannesburg has shut down a non-compliant inner-city hotel following a multi-disciplinary service delivery operation targeting by-law enforcement and unsafe buildings.
The operation, conducted on Friday in the Desmond Tutu and Ellis Park precincts across Wards 59, 60, 123, and 124, was led by Acting Executive Mayor Loyiso Masuku and City Manager Dr Floyd Brink, alongside several Members of the Mayoral Committee.
Officials carried out street-level inspections focusing on illegal business activity and unsafe building conditions, which the City said remain persistent challenges in the inner city.
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A key outcome was the immediate closure of the Diplomat Hotel on Lilian Ngoyi Street. According to the City, the hotel was operating without approved building plans, lacked a valid fire certificate and was using an outdated Certificate of Acceptability.
Authorities also halted ongoing construction at the site due to the absence of approved plans and concerns about structural safety.
Environmental Health inspectors found what they described as severely unhygienic conditions in the hotel’s kitchen, including a strong odour of spoiled meat. The Certificate of Acceptability was subsequently revoked and a formal notice issued.
With support from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, owners were instructed to evacuate all guests. The City said the owners must urgently address all compliance and safety violations before operations can resume.
Beyond the hotel closure, City teams removed illegally dumped waste, cleaned streets, repaired traffic signals, conducted further building inspections, and removed informal traders operating unlawfully on pavements. Contravention notices were also issued.
The City said the visible enforcement led to several non-compliant businesses closing voluntarily upon the delegation’s arrival.
MMC for Development Planning, Eunice Mgcina, said compliance with regulations was critical.
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“These inspections are critical in ensuring adherence to the City’s by-laws and building regulations. Compliance is non-negotiable, as non-compliance not only endanger lives but also disrupts livelihoods. We urge all residents and business owners to comply fully with the law,” she said.
MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Jack Sekwaila, said inspections had uncovered widespread violations.
“We are committed to ensuring that all businesses operate within the legal framework. Our inspections have revealed widespread non-compliance, including the sale of illicit goods and illegal electricity connections. We will continue working closely with law enforcement to maintain a consistent presence in the area,” he said.
The City said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to restore order, improve service delivery and ensure a safe and compliant environment in Johannesburg’s inner city.
