Marble Towers demolition case postponed amid settlement talks

Proceedings in the Johannesburg High Court over the planned demolition of alleged illegal structures at Marble Towers have been postponed to Friday as the City of Johannesburg and the building’s owners continue negotiations aimed at reaching a possible agreement.

The case forms part of the city’s broader crackdown on alleged by-law violations and unsafe structures in the Johannesburg CBD, with officials warning that safety risks at Marble Towers could lead to another disaster similar to the 2023 Usindiso building fire.

The matter was initially enrolled on an urgent basis after the city moved to demolish several allegedly illegal structures around the building. However, demolition efforts were halted following a last-minute interdict application brought by the building owners, Goldenrod Group.

The City of Johannesburg maintains that the structures obstruct fire escape routes and emergency access points, posing a significant risk to occupants and emergency personnel in the event of a fire.

The city’s legal representative, Segala Malahlela, told the court that officials have been engaging with the owners since at least 2020 over alleged non-compliance with municipal by-laws and safety regulations.

Malahlela said the municipality had issued notices, entered into compliance agreements, and offered assistance to voluntarily remove some of the disputed structures before resorting to enforcement action.

The city is also seeking the temporary closure of parts of the building while compliance issues are addressed.

During Wednesday’s proceedings, Marble Towers representative, Reuben Maphutha, told the court that negotiations between the parties are at an advanced stage, although disagreements remain over the wording and legal implications of a proposed court order.

The court heard that both parties appear to agree on certain remedial measures for the property, but disputes remain over alleged encroachment and the legality of some structures on the site.

Negotiations are expected to continue ahead of Friday’s proceedings, when legal arguments may resume if the parties fail to finalise an agreement.

Legal drama in the CBD

The owners of Marble Towers (Goldenrod Group) are heading to court, seeking an urgent interdict to stop the City of Joburg from demolishing or interfering with structures at the property without a lawful court order.

Goldenrod claims CoJ is threatening… pic.twitter.com/6ZS3CPjTw3

— City of Joburg (@CityofJoburgZA) May 20, 2026

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe