Johannesburg’s New CCTV Bylaw: What It Means & How to Challenge It

Johannesburg has introduced a new bylaw requiring homeowners to obtain formal approval before installing CCTV cameras that face public spaces. While the city claims this is a security measure, critics argue it infringes on privacy rights and places unnecessary burdens on residents. In this post, we will break down the bylaw, its potential impact, and how individuals can challenge it legally.

Understanding the CCTV Bylaw

The new regulation requires homeowners to:

• Apply for approval before installing cameras facing public areas.
• Ensure that security footage complies with monitoring requirements set by the municipality.
• Potentially upgrade their systems to meet certification standards.

Concerns Raised:

• Privacy Issues: The bylaw could allow authorities access to privately recorded footage, raising constitutional concerns.
• Administrative & Financial Burden: The approval process and potential equipment upgrades may be costly and time-consuming.
• Legal Ambiguity: Enforcement mechanisms remain unclear, leaving homeowners uncertain about compliance.

🔗 For full details on the bylaw, refer to the official document.

Steps to File a Formal Objection

If you wish to oppose the bylaw, follow these structured steps:

1️. Review the Bylaw – Understand its clauses and how they impact you.

2️. Gather Supporting Evidence – Compile legal references, expert opinions, and documented concerns.

3️. Draft Your Objection – Clearly outline your concerns, referencing relevant rights and municipal procedures.

4. Submit Your Objection – Use the official submission system provided by the City of Johannesburg. Official Document.

5️. Follow Up – Stay engaged with municipal representatives to track the progress of your submission.

6️. Consider Legal Escalation – If the objection is dismissed, explore judicial challenges or seek legal counsel.

Final Thoughts

While security concerns are valid, bylaws must balance public interest with individual rights. If Johannesburg’s CCTV regulations appear unfair or legally questionable, affected residents should take appropriate action to ensure their privacy and financial security remain protected.

South Africa has several legal frameworks governing CCTV usage, primarily focusing on privacy rights and data protection. Here are the key laws and regulations:

1. Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)

• POPIA regulates how personal data, including CCTV footage, is collected, stored, and used. Key points include:
• Notification Requirement: Businesses and homeowners must inform individuals that they are being recorded, typically through visible signage.
• Purpose Limitation: CCTV footage should only be used for security, crime prevention, or operational monitoring.
• Data Retention: Footage must not be stored indefinitely—retention periods should align with the reason for collection (e.g., 30–90 days).
• Access Control: Only authorized personnel should have access to recorded footage.
• Cloud Storage Compliance: If footage is stored on cloud servers, they must comply with POPIA, especially if hosted internationally.

2. Constitutional Right to Privacy

South Africa’s Constitution guarantees the right to privacy, which extends to CCTV surveillance. Courts may rule against excessive or intrusive monitoring, particularly if cameras invade private spaces like homes or workplaces.

3. Workplace Surveillance Regulations

Employers must disclose CCTV monitoring in employment contracts or company policies. While consent is not always required, transparency is essential.

4. Residential CCTV Guidelines

Homeowners can install CCTV for security, but they must:

• Avoid pointing cameras directly into neighbouring properties without consent.
• Ensure footage is not used for purposes beyond security.
• Delete recordings regularly unless needed for investigations.

5. Public Space Surveillance

South Africa lacks specific laws governing CCTV in public spaces, leading to legal uncertainty. However, POPIA applies if footage captures identifiable individuals.

Written by a Private Property Reporter | Mar 24, 2025 Article 

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Affordable Housing & City Reformation: Reshaping South Africa’s Urban Landscape

 

South Africa’s cities are at a crossroads—facing rapid urbanization, housing shortages, and spatial inequalities inherited from the past. As demand for affordable housing surges, city reformation presents a powerful opportunity to create inclusive, sustainable, and economically vibrant urban spaces.

1. Breaking Spatial Inequality Through Housing Reform

Historically, South African cities have been shaped by segregated urban planning, leaving many low-income communities disconnected from economic hubs. Today, affordable housing initiatives aim to reverse this trend by integrating well-located, accessible housing into city centres.

2. Unlocking Municipal Land for Development 

Despite the urgent need for housing, vast amounts of municipal land remain underutilized. By streamlining land release policies, cities can accelerate affordable housing projects, ensuring that low- and middle-income families gain access to prime urban locations.

3. Sustainable Infrastructure & Green Housing 

Modern city reformation isn’t just about housing—it’s about creating liveable, eco-friendly spaces. Developers are incorporating solar energy, water-saving systems, and green building materials into affordable housing projects, reducing long-term costs for residents while promoting environmental sustainability.

4. Social Housing & Urban Regeneration 

Social housing plays a critical role in urban renewal, fostering inclusive communities and driving economic growth. By investing in mixed-income developments, cities can revitalize neglected areas, transforming them into thriving neighbourhoods with access to jobs, transport, and essential services.

5. Addressing Informal Settlements & Housing Shortages 

South Africa’s housing crisis is exacerbated by overcrowded informal settlements, where residents face unsafe living conditions. City reformation must prioritize formal housing solutions, upgrade infrastructure and ensuring safe, affordable homes for all.

Strategic Urban Development & Real Estate Marketing 

For real estate professionals and investors, city reformation presents new opportunities: 

✅ Promote well-located affordable housing to attract urban buyers 

✅ Highlight sustainability features to align with modern city planning 

✅ Leverage digital marketing (Google Business & Facebook) for maximum reach 

✅ Use storytelling & high-quality visuals to enhance buyer engagement 

Final Thoughts

Affordable housing isn’t just about providing shelter—it’s about reshaping cities for a more inclusive future. By embracing urban renewal, sustainable development, and strategic housing policies, South Africa can transform its cities into thriving, equitable spaces where everyone has access to opportunity.

Final note: Though this information was taken from various reputable sources it is always good to check the current demand and speak to professionals. Do your homework first!

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Homeowner tip: Budgeting for One

The following information was gathered from the Business Report and written by a Staff Reporter. (18/03/2025) Always remember that these tips are only guidelines. Some may work for you, others won’t; depending on your income and situation. Therefore, it is important to speak to a financial advisor before you implement it.

You can read the entire article here: 

 The article highlights how South Africans can start investing, even with limited income. Here are the important points:

1. Start Small and Be Consistent – Many believe they need significant capital to invest, but even small, regular contributions can grow over time due to compounding returns.

2. Prioritize Saving Overspending – Financial expert Haydn Johns emphasizes that many people have a spending problem, not an income problem. Building the habit of saving first helps secure funds for investment.

3. Leverage Salary Increases – Before adjusting your lifestyle after a raise, consider allocating part of it to a monthly investment.

4. Create a Budget – Identifying unnecessary expenses can free up money for investments. A target of 15-20% of gross monthly income is ideal, but starting with any amount is key.

5. Build a Reserve Fund – Having at least three months' worth of expenses in a liquid investment helps with unexpected financial needs.

6. Use Tax-Efficient Investment Options – Maximizing retirement fund contributions and tax-free investments can enhance returns.

7. Choose the Right Investment Structure – Younger investors should favour funds with higher equity allocation to maximize long-term returns.

Structured plan for implementing the investment strategies mentioned in the article:

Step-by-Step Investment Plan for South Africans with Limited Income

Please download the informational poster for future reference. 

1. Start Small and Stay Consistent

- Begin with an affordable amount, even R100–R500 per month.

- Automate contributions to ensure consistency.

- Reinvest dividends and returns for long-term compounding.

2. Adjust Spending Habits

- Track expenses and identify non-essential costs.

- Adopt a "save first, spend later" mindset.

- Redirect any saved funds toward investments.

3. Allocate Salary Increases Strategically

- Before upgrading your lifestyle, dedicate a portion of salary increments to investments.

- Increase investment contributions proportionally to earnings.

4. Create a Realistic Budget

- Aim to allocate 15–20% of gross monthly income for investments.

- If that’s too high, start with whatever is manageable and gradually increase.

5. Build a Safety Net

- Maintain an emergency reserve with at least 3 months’ worth of expenses.

- Keep funds accessible in a liquid investment for unforeseen costs.

6. Optimize Tax Benefits

- Maximize tax-free savings accounts (TFSA) and retirement contributions.

- Explore tax-efficient investment vehicles to enhance returns.

7. Choose the Right Investment Approach

- Younger investors should lean toward equity-heavy portfolios for long-term growth.

- Consider diversified mutual funds or ETFs with stable returns.

15 Tools Every Homeowner Should Own

 

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Written by Nick Gromicko, CMI® and Ben Gromicko

 

The following items are essential tools, but this list is not exhaustive. Ask an InterNACHI inspector during your next inspection about other tools that you might find useful.

 

1.  Plunger

A clogged sink or toilet is one of the most inconvenient household problems that you will face. With a plunger on hand, however, you can usually remedy these plumbing issues relatively quickly. It is best to have two plungers -- one for the sink and one for the toilet.

 

2. Combination Wrench Set

One end of a combination wrench set is open and the other end is a closed loop. Nuts and bolts are manufactured in standard and metric sizes, and because both varieties are widely used, you’ll need both sets of wrenches. For the most control and leverage, always pull the wrench toward you, instead of pushing on it. Also, avoid over-tightening.

 

3.  Slip-Joint Pliers

Use slip-joint pliers to grab hold of a nail, a nut, a bolt, and much more. These types of pliers are versatile because of the jaws, which feature both flat and curved areas for gripping many types of objects. There is also a built-in slip-joint, which allows the user to quickly adjust the jaw size to suit most tasks.

 

4. Adjustable Wrench

Adjustable wrenches are awkward to use and can damage a bolt or nut if they are not handled properly. However, adjustable wrenches are ideal for situations where you need two wrenches of the same size. Screw the jaws all the way closed to avoid damaging the bolt or nut.

5. Caulking Gun

Caulking is sealing up cracks and gaps in various structures and certain types of piping. Caulking can provide noise mitigation and thermal insulation, and control water penetration. Caulk should be applied only to areas that are clean and dry.

 

6. Flashlight

None of the tools in this list is of any use if you cannot visually inspect the situation. The problem, and solution, are apparent only with a good flashlight. A traditional two-battery flashlight is usually sufficient, as larger flashlights may be too unwieldy.

 

7. Tape Measure

Measuring house projects requires a tape measure—not a ruler or a yardstick. Tape measures come in many lengths, although 25 feet is best. Measure everything at least twice to ensure accuracy.

 

8. Hacksaw

A hacksaw is useful for cutting metal objects, such as pipes, bolts and brackets. Hacksaws look flimsy, but they’ll easily cut through even the hardest of metals. Blades are replaceable, so focus your purchase on a quality hacksaw frame.

 

9. Torpedo Level

Only a level can determine if something, such as a shelf, appliance or picture, is correctly oriented. The torpedo-style level is unique because it not only shows when an object is perfectly horizontal or vertical, but it also has a gauge that shows when an object is at a 45-degree angle. The bubble in the viewfinder must be exactly in the middle—not merely close.

10. Safety Glasses / Goggles

For all tasks involving a hammer or a power tool, you should always wear safety glasses or goggles. They should also be worn while you mix chemicals.

11. Claw Hammer

A good hammer is one of the most important tools you can own.  Use it to drive and remove nails, to pry wood loose from the house, and in combination with other tools. They come in a variety of sizes, although a 16-ounce hammer is the best all-purpose choice.

12. Screwdriver Set

It is best to have four screwdrivers: a small and large version of both a flathead and a Phillips-head screwdriver. Electrical screwdrivers are sometimes convenient, but they're no substitute. Manual screwdrivers can reach into more places and they are less likely to damage the screw. 

13.  Wire Cutters

Wire cutters are pliers designed to cut wires and small nails. The side-cutting style (unlike the stronger end-cutting style) is handy, but not strong enough to cut small nails.

14.  Respirator / Safety Mask

While paints and other coatings are now manufactured to be less toxic (and lead-free) than in previous decades, most still contain dangerous chemicals, which is why you should wear a mask to avoid accidentally inhaling. A mask should also be worn when working in dusty environments. Disposable masks usually come in packs of 10 and should be thrown away after use. Full and half-face respirators can prevent the inhalation of very fine particles that ordinary facemasks will not stop. 

15. Duct Tape

This tape is extremely strong and adaptable. Originally, it was widely used to make temporary repairs to many types of military equipment. Today, it’s one of the key items specified for home emergency kits because it is water-resistant and extremely sticky.

  

 

 

BATHO PELE PRINCIPLES

Have you ever stand in one of those long cues at a municipal building, waiting for service and read the informational banners? Most of the times, it is only available in one of the other 11 languages, but once I learned about them; I have become attentive. Reading and studying about culture and culture changes, I saw it first on the Ekurhuleni website and was flabbergasted. When you weigh the entire Ekurhuleni against the Batho Pele Principles, you realize the shortfalls immediately. The eight points are very interesting. Let’s have a closer look.

The eight Batho Pele principles are:

Consultation: Citizens should be consulted about their needs and preferences. Service standards: Citizens should know what level and quality of service they can expect.

Access: All citizens should have equal access to the services they are entitled to. Courtesy: Citizens should be treated with courtesy and respect. Information: Citizens should be given full and accurate information about the services they receive. Openness and transparency: Citizens should know how the public service is run, how much it costs, and who is in charge. Redress: Citizens should be offered an apology, an explanation, and a remedy when the service standards are not met. Value for money: Public services should be provided efficiently and effectively to give citizens the best value for their money.

"People first" is the meaning of that word in Sesotho. This means that the Batho Pele principles are about helping to improve delivery to the people. Its approach is aimed at getting public servants to stay committed to their work and to find means to enhance this service delivery. Government employees must find innovative ways to enhance services rather than justifying failures. Accordingly, public sector managers bear significant responsibility for cultivating a supportive work environment that promotes effective staff interactions with customers. Effective management mandates the motivation of staff and the provision of requisite tools. They can do this by providing continuous support, especially during times of stress and pressure. 

The Batho Pele Principle is summarized in a slogan that goes, “We belong, we care, we serve.”

We belong: This implies that we are part of the Public Service and should thus work hand in hand regarding colleagues.

We care: It is a directive that shows that we should care for the public that we serve, that is the customers. 

We serve: It is up to the public servants to deliver exceptional service to all citizens.

So, if the above statements are true, why don’t we see the evidence of it in our parks, streets, governmental buildings and day-to-day living conditions? And why does the municipality not live up to these principles? Who keeps them accountable?

Citizens should know how the public service is run, how much it costs, and who is in charge.

Why must we then drive through Plastic City? Driving down Prince George avenue alone, my heart drops. Not to mention Voortrekker road. Athlone, the main road between Brakpan and Boksburg, is in a better shape and busier than ever. Despite the malfunctioning robot at the main intersection for almost twelve months, it is still the preferable access point. But why are so much time and money invested only in the one main road but not in Prince George Avenue connecting us to Benoni? 

These inquiries aim to determine accountability for the provision of public services to the residents of Ekurhuleni, along with the relevant responsible parties.