Mountain View residents skeptical as court approves eviction, city ordered to relocate them by 2027

Residents of Mountain View in Braamfischerville remain skeptical that the City of Johannesburg will honor its commitments following a court ruling that allows mining company DRD Gold Limited to evict them — but only once the City provides alternative accommodation.

The residents approached the Johannesburg High Court on Wednesday to compel the City to secure suitable land for relocation after the mining company moved to evict them from privately owned property they have occupied for more than four years.

The court ruled in favor of the mining company but ordered that residents can only be removed once the City provides provides land with basic services.

With the eviction expected in about 18 months, lawyers representing the residents stressed that the ruling does not authorize immediate removal — insisting residents will only leave once a proper relocation site is ready.

Zimkhitha Bhaba, one of the residents, told YNews they are hoping for a convenient and affordable area, as many in the community are unemployed.

Earlier, scores of residents from Vlakfontein and Braamfischer Phase 2 protested outside the court against the proposed eviction. Many say Dobsonville would be the most suitable relocation area.

Kebalipile Mafora, another occupant, said residents live in constant fear and uncertainty about their future.

The court also instructed the City to clarify whether the identified relocation area will be temporary or permanent and to outline its long-term housing plans for the affected community. It must submit quarterly progress reports showing how it will relocate the Mountain View residents and improve the site over the next 18 months.

Occupants’ lawyer, Kelly Kropman, welcomed the ruling, saying it gives residents a way to hold the City accountable for its unfulfilled promises. Before the judgment, residents lived in constant uncertainty about when eviction would occur. Kropman added that the ruling sets an important precedent for how municipalities should handle evictions and homelessness nationwide.

Kropman also revealed that DRD Gold Limited has refused to sell the land due to the high value of the mountain located on it.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe