UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA (UNISA)
College of Law
⋄
Land and Housing
Semester 2 Assignment 01 — 2026
⋄
Module Code: LAH3701
Module Name: Land and Housing
Assignment No.: 01
Due Date: Monday, 31 August 2026, 1:00 PM
Semester: Second Semester 2026
Unique Number: 276322
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for Land and Housing
at the University of South Africa.
, UNISA | LAH3701 Land and Housing – Assignment 01
Question 1: Land Issues and Principles
1.1(a)
Which legislation is applicable to the eviction of people from buildings that are unsafe or
unhealthy?
The National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act 103 of 1977 applies.1
1.1(b)
Under the legislation mentioned in question (a), who has the authority to ensure that all
buildings that are unsafe or unhealthy are altered or renovated to render them safe or
healthy for human habitation?
The local authority (municipality) in whose area of jurisdiction the building is situated, in this
instance the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality.2
1.1(c)
If the City of Tshwane wants to assist the owner in evicting the illegal occupiers for their
own safety or health, and ensuring that alternative accommodation is arranged for them,
there are five guidelines the City of Tshwane has to follow. List them.
1. The eviction must be lawful, that is, carried out through a proper legal process and not
through self-help.
2. The eviction must be reasonable, weighing the need to remove the safety or health risk
against the consequences for the occupiers.
3. Adequate and timeous notice of the intended eviction, and of the reasons for it, must be
given to the affected occupiers.
4. The municipality must engage meaningfully with the occupiers before the eviction, to
explore short-term measures and to establish their personal circumstances and needs.
5. Reasonable alternative accommodation must be arranged for any occupier who would
otherwise be rendered homeless, with particular regard to vulnerable groups such as
1
National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act 103 of 1977, s 12.
2
National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act 103 of 1977, s 12(1); City of Johannesburg v Rand
Properties (Pty) Ltd 2007 (6) SA 417 (SCA) para 51.
Page 1 of 6
College of Law
⋄
Land and Housing
Semester 2 Assignment 01 — 2026
⋄
Module Code: LAH3701
Module Name: Land and Housing
Assignment No.: 01
Due Date: Monday, 31 August 2026, 1:00 PM
Semester: Second Semester 2026
Unique Number: 276322
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for Land and Housing
at the University of South Africa.
, UNISA | LAH3701 Land and Housing – Assignment 01
Question 1: Land Issues and Principles
1.1(a)
Which legislation is applicable to the eviction of people from buildings that are unsafe or
unhealthy?
The National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act 103 of 1977 applies.1
1.1(b)
Under the legislation mentioned in question (a), who has the authority to ensure that all
buildings that are unsafe or unhealthy are altered or renovated to render them safe or
healthy for human habitation?
The local authority (municipality) in whose area of jurisdiction the building is situated, in this
instance the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality.2
1.1(c)
If the City of Tshwane wants to assist the owner in evicting the illegal occupiers for their
own safety or health, and ensuring that alternative accommodation is arranged for them,
there are five guidelines the City of Tshwane has to follow. List them.
1. The eviction must be lawful, that is, carried out through a proper legal process and not
through self-help.
2. The eviction must be reasonable, weighing the need to remove the safety or health risk
against the consequences for the occupiers.
3. Adequate and timeous notice of the intended eviction, and of the reasons for it, must be
given to the affected occupiers.
4. The municipality must engage meaningfully with the occupiers before the eviction, to
explore short-term measures and to establish their personal circumstances and needs.
5. Reasonable alternative accommodation must be arranged for any occupier who would
otherwise be rendered homeless, with particular regard to vulnerable groups such as
1
National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act 103 of 1977, s 12.
2
National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act 103 of 1977, s 12(1); City of Johannesburg v Rand
Properties (Pty) Ltd 2007 (6) SA 417 (SCA) para 51.
Page 1 of 6
