Ekurhuleni Mayor Vows to Press Ahead with Evictions After Germiston Home Affairs Arson
Natalie Nyathi
In the wake of a fire at the Department of Home Affairs building in Germiston on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has vowed to continue with the eviction of unlawful occupants in the city. The fire, suspected to be arson, broke out amidst protests related to court-ordered evictions at the Pharoe Park low-cost housing complex in Germiston.
The evictions at Pharoe Park targeted residents allegedly occupying the flats illegally and failing to pay rent. The City of Ekurhuleni stated that it obtained a court order in June 2025 to remove the tenants and that eviction notices were served but were largely ignored. According to the municipality, the arrears from unpaid rent amount to over R10 million.
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department, the South African Police Service, and a private security firm known as the “Red Ants” were involved in carrying out the evictions. Eyewitnesses reported that the “Red Ants” forcibly removed people and their belongings from the flats.
Some residents, however, claimed that they had been paying rent, while others stated they did not receive any eviction notices. One resident claimed they had a five-year lease agreement and were told they would be exempt from paying rent after that period, and that they’d been paying rent to the Ekurhuleni Housing, though the company’s name had changed over the years. Approximately 450 families have been left stranded following the evictions.
The protests against the evictions escalated when the Department of Home Affairs building in Germiston was set alight. The fire severely damaged the second floor of the two-story building. Emergency services responded to the scene, and firefighters managed to contain the blaze. No injuries were reported.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber condemned the arson and stated that criminal charges would be filed against those responsible. The Home Affairs office will temporarily operate from mobile units stationed at Alberton and Boksburg.
Mayor Xhakaza condemned the arson attack as “barbaric” and stated that the city would not back down on enforcing evictions. He emphasized the importance of reclaiming the CBD and restoring order. The mayor stated that the evictions are crucial to attracting investors back to the area. He also noted that about R1 million in monthly rent from Pharoe Park was being lost due to illegal occupation, with the money being collected by individuals who did not invest in the maintenance of the buildings.
The City of Ekurhuleni has launched a formal investigation into the suspected arson. Two people have been arrested for public violence related to the protests.
