{
  "id": 17425124,
  "title": "Hijacked buildings in Johannesburg should be reclaimed: Malema",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/hijacked-buildings-in-johannesburg-should-be-reclaimed-malema",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-31T15:46:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SABC News",
    "slug": "sabc-news",
    "url": "https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/hijacked-buildings-in-johannesburg-should-be-reclaimed-malema/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema has called for the seizure of hijacked buildings in Johannesburg and their conversion into affordable housing and student accommodation. Malema addressed the party's final rally at Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto, criticizing criminal syndicates exploiting vulnerable residents by charging them rent.\n\nHe highlighted that these buildings, located in areas like Hillbrow, Berea, Jubet Park, and Marshalltown, are being occupied by criminals who charge desperate people exorbitant rents. Malema emphasized that people in these communities should not be living in such inhumane conditions.\n\nMalema also assured voters that the EFF respects coalitions formed with other political parties. He stated that while the EFF is willing to collaborate, it will not tolerate corruption and wrongdoing within these alliances. The party holds its coalition partners accountable even if it means risking its own positions.\n\nFurthermore, Malema accused municipal officials and councilors of engaging in corruption, tender manipulation, and undermining service delivery. He alleged that jobs are often allocated through political connections and that some councilors demand sexual favors in exchange for employment opportunities. Malema claimed that public officials delay or cancel projects to protect corrupt interests and secure kickbacks.\n\nHe pointed out that the collapse of municipalities is not an accident but rather a result of a deliberate business model where officials collude with corrupt politicians to decide who receives tenders before they are even advertised.",
  "summary": "EFF leader Julius Malema says hijacked buildings in Johannesburg should be reclaimed by the city",
  "key_points": [
    "Julius Malema calls for seizure of hijacked buildings in Johannesburg.",
    "Buildings in Hillbrow, Berea, Jubet Park, and Marshalltown occupied by criminals.",
    "EFF respects coalitions but demands accountability from partners."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}