The City of Johannesburg has warned that stricter enforcement measures are on the way after illegal trading resumed at Marble Towers in the Johannesburg CBD despite a recent High Court order directing that unlawful commercial structures be removed.
Executive Mayor Dada Morero visited the building on 10 July 2026 alongside Members of the Mayoral Committee and senior municipal officials during an inner-city by-law enforcement operation. Instead of finding compliance with the court’s judgment, officials discovered traders continuing to operate from structures that had been declared unlawful.
The inspection has renewed concerns about the city’s ability to enforce court orders in some of Johannesburg’s busiest commercial precincts and highlights the broader challenge of restoring safety and regulatory compliance in the inner city.
Court ordered unlawful structures to be removed
The Johannesburg High Court previously ruled that commercial structures inside Marble Towers had been erected without approved building plans.
The court ordered that the affected structures be vacated and removed, while directing that the building be brought into compliance with applicable building and safety regulations.
However, according to the City’s latest inspection, some traders had resumed operating inside the building despite the judgment.
Officials said the continued trading activity appeared to undermine the implementation of the court order and raised fresh questions about compliance by both building occupants and property management.
City warns of stronger enforcement
Speaking during the inspection, Mayor Morero described the continued operation of illegal trading activities as a serious violation of the court’s ruling.
He said property owners and tenants could not continue ignoring legal requirements while exposing workers, shoppers and members of the public to potential safety risks.
The mayor indicated that the City intends to enforce the judgment and suggested that maintaining a permanent Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) presence at Marble Towers may become necessary to prevent further violations.
The City has also warned that continued non-compliance could ultimately lead to more severe enforcement measures, including the possible closure of the building if legal requirements are not met.
Video shows trading continuing inside the building
Footage shared on social media platform X showed traders displaying clothing and other merchandise along walkways inside Marble Towers, with business appearing to continue despite the court order.
The images have fuelled public debate about enforcement challenges in Johannesburg’s CBD, where illegal trading, unsafe buildings and by-law violations have remained persistent concerns for municipal authorities.
While the City has stepped up inspections and enforcement campaigns in recent years, officials acknowledge that sustained compliance often requires ongoing monitoring rather than one-off operations.
Marble Towers reflects wider inner-city challenges
The Marble Towers case is part of Johannesburg’s broader effort to improve safety, enforce municipal by-laws and address illegal activity in the inner city.
Authorities argue that ensuring buildings comply with planning and safety regulations is essential not only for public safety but also for creating an environment that encourages investment, lawful business activity and urban renewal.
Urban planning experts have long noted that effective enforcement depends on consistent follow-through after court rulings. Without continued oversight, businesses operating outside the law may quickly resume normal activities, reducing the impact of legal interventions.
The City’s latest inspection suggests that enforcement at Marble Towers is far from over, with officials signalling that further action may follow if compliance is not achieved.
What’s next?
The City of Johannesburg is expected to continue monitoring Marble Towers while considering additional enforcement measures to ensure the High Court’s order is implemented.
Whether through increased JMPD deployments, further inspections or additional legal action, municipal officials have indicated that they intend to prevent unlawful commercial activity from continuing at the site.
The outcome could become an important test of Johannesburg’s broader campaign to restore order, improve safety and strengthen compliance across the city’s inner core.
