Germiston Unrest: Ekurhuleni Mayor Defends Evictions After Home Affairs Fire

Tensions are high in Germiston after the local Home Affairs office was set alight during violent protests linked to evictions at Pharoe Park flats. Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza says the city won’t back down on removing tenants who haven’t paid rent, insisting the evictions are legally sound. The city’s housing arm, Ekurhuleni Housing Company, says court orders were obtained after repeated non-payment, with EMPD enforcing removals. Phemelo speaks to Thembi Rachuene, Chairperson of PAD in Germiston, and Mamokubong Moroke, Provincial Manager at Home Affairs, to unpack the growing unrest and what’s next for residents.