Tladi Camp Soweto Celebrates Demolition Clearing Path for Electricity After 30 Years

Residents of Tladi Camp in Soweto celebrated on Tuesday when the Johannesburg Department of Human Settlements demolished a property. This cleared the way for an electric transformer installation. The community has lived without electricity for over 30 years. The Soweto demolition now enables Tladi Camp electrification and formalization of the informal settlement.

A TLB tore down the brick-and-mortar structure. Residents ululated and sang during the event. The property stood empty at the time. The Department of Human Settlements led the demolition.

Tladi Camp started as an informal settlement more than 30 years ago. It has lacked electricity since then. The property once served as a family home. A dispute began in 2011 after the grandfather died.

The grandson of the owner shared details. The city offered alternative housing. But the grandmother rented it out in secret. She fought in court for five years. In 2026, she lost and received an eviction notice.

Eskom held back funds until the City of Johannesburg removed the structure. Johannesburg MMC for Human Settlements Mlungisi Mabaso explained:

In two consecutive financial years, the budget was made available for the electrification, then Eskom said, ‘You see, City of Johannesburg, we are not going to allocate funds for this project until you demolish the structure’.

The grandson expressed relief. He said:

I am happy to see this progress because the residents here have been waiting a long time, and the hindrance was one person, so we are relieved.

This step brings relief after years of delay. It allows formalization of the area. Electrification work can now start. Soweto residents gain better access to power.

The Department plans to begin work right away. MMC Mabaso confirmed they can proceed. Eskom’s condition is now met. Transformer installation follows the demolition. Officials will share updates as steps advance.