Deputy Minister Zikalala Leads Operation to Reclaim Illegally Occupied State Properties in North West

Article by Andile Xulu | Pictures by Mahlogonolo Makwela

17 April 2026

In a decisive move to reclaim hijacked and illegally occupied state properties, Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, led Operation Bring Back (OBB) on 17 April 2026 in Potchefstroom, North West. He was joined by North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Sempe Elizabeth Mokua, and Executive Mayor of the JB Marks Local Municipality, Cllr. Gaba Thithiba Ka Qhele, as part of a coordinated effort to reclaim unlawfully occupied government buildings.

Operation Bring Back (OBB) is an initiative aimed at reclaiming state-owned properties that are illegally occupied, forming part of the Department’s broader programme to safeguard public assets, uphold the rule of law, and unlock the value of state infrastructure in support of service delivery and economic activity. In the North West province, 43 state properties have been identified as illegally occupied out of a portfolio of more than 2 000 properties. Of these, 29 cases are currently subject to pending eviction processes.

During the operation, the Deputy Minister led government officials in reclaiming the 5 and 7 Globler industrial properties, which belong to the South African Police Service (SAPS). The properties had been abandoned and left vulnerable to illegal occupation. Some unlawful occupiers indicated that they had been using the buildings as shelter due to a lack of alternative accommodation. One of the occupants stated: “An official from the municipality said we could stay, as long as we do not vandalise the property.”

Addressing the media, the Deputy Minister expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the property. “This property belongs to SAPS. It is deeply concerning to see government infrastructure in such a dilapidated state, effectively turning into a dumping site. We must work together to restore it for service delivery,” he said.

MEC Sempe Elizabeth Mokua emphasised that the campaign will extend beyond the province. “Operation Bring Back will be rolled out across the country to reclaim all hijacked government buildings,” she said.

The Deputy Minister confirmed that the Department will proceed with the necessary legal processes to facilitate the eviction of unlawful occupiers, secure the site, and restore the property for its intended public purpose.