The illegal occupation of residential buildings in Johannesburg, South Africa, has emerged as a structural phenomenon deeply connected to housing shortages, urban inequality, and lack of security. In the Central Business District (CBD) of Johannesburg, so-called "hijacked" buildings have become a common sight where former working-class homes are now controlled by informal, often criminal networks that operate without any legal contracts. This situation has led to deteriorating living conditions for many residents, exposing them to risks without maintenance and proper safety measures.

Such hijacking of buildings is not just a symptom but rather a representation of the broader social and economic issues at play, including systemic inequality and insufficient public policy responses to housing needs. The lack of affordable housing options has caused desperation among many who resort to occupying these buildings, which previously might have been homes for the working class. These neighborhoods, once vibrant, now illustrate a suffering community that grapples with the consequences of an ineffective housing strategy and urban management.

The effects of this crisis extend beyond just the physical structures involved; they resonate through the fabric of Johannesburg's society. The safety and security implications of living in hijacked buildings contribute further to urban instability, as conflicts often arise both internally among residents and externally with authorities. This reveals the urgent need for comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of urban inequality and provide sustainable housing options for all residents to prevent further deterioration in the city’s social landscape.