Joburg migration politics shows failure of real leadership as battle for city continues in run-up to polls

Mar 24, 2026 · 1007 words · By Oliver Meth

📰 Original article: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2026-03-24-joburg-migration-politics…

Fact-Check Results

“The political fight for Johannesburg has been reduced to one loud message: 'Illegal immigrants are the problem.'”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence in archive to confirm or refute claims about political messaging in Johannesburg's mayoral race.

“The DA promises to deal with undocumented migrants and reclaim hijacked buildings in Johannesburg, presenting this as the key to restoring the city.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence in archive to verify DA's specific promises or strategies regarding undocumented migrants in Johannesburg.

“Johannesburg has a housing crisis, not just a law enforcement problem.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence in archive to determine whether Johannesburg's primary issue is a housing crisis or law enforcement problem.

“Parties talk about 'clearing out' buildings without a clear plan for where people will go, it is not a solution, it is a displacement strategy.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence in archive to assess the planning adequacy of proposed building clearance initiatives.

“The ANC has failed to deal with the housing backlog, failed to maintain buildings and failed to stop the decay that has led to entire parts of Johannesburg being abandoned or taken over.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence in archive to evaluate ANC's performance on housing backlog, maintenance, or urban decay.

“The EFF supports the idea that the state must play a stronger role in providing housing.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence in archive to confirm EFF's position on state involvement in housing provision.

“The crisis comes from years of underinvestment, poor urban planning, corruption and a failure to build enough affordable housing for a growing population.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence in archive to verify causes of Johannesburg's housing crisis or attribute it to specific factors.

“Abandoned buildings in the inner city can be converted into social housing. Local government can partner with housing organisations to upgrade these spaces.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence in archive to confirm feasibility or existence of partnerships for converting abandoned buildings into social housing.

“Thirty years after the Constitution, South Africa should be having serious conversations about housing, land and economic justice.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence in archive to assess South Africa's progress or lack thereof on housing, land, and economic justice issues.