```html Johannesburg's Derelict Heart: G20 Summit Casts Shadow on City's Decay

As Johannesburg prepares to host leaders from the world's largest economies for the upcoming G20 summit, a stark contrast exists between the polished venues and the city's crumbling inner core. Just a few kilometers from the summit location, a crisis of derelict buildings, hijacked properties, and failing infrastructure plagues the city center, raising questions about Johannesburg's ability to address deep-seated urban challenges.

Decades of Neglect and Criminality

The BBC has identified at least 102 derelict or abandoned buildings within Johannesburg's inner city, an area spanning approximately 18 square kilometers. Other reports suggest the number could be significantly higher. These buildings, many hijacked by criminal gangs, lack basic amenities like running water and electricity, posing severe health and safety risks to residents.

Nelson Khetani, a resident of a building known as MBV1 in Joubert Park, paints a grim picture of life inside these hijacked properties. "There's guns, there's drugs, there's prostitutes, there's everything here," he told BBC Africa Eye. He describes a environment where rooms are controlled by criminals who collect rent and use the buildings as bases for illegal activities.

Government Acknowledges the Problem, Struggles for Solutions

President Cyril Ramaphosa himself acknowledged the dire state of Johannesburg earlier this year. "I found the city filthy," he said, expressing concern about the abandoned and hijacked buildings that fail to contribute to the city's tax base. While Mayor Dada Morero has stated the city is "ready to host the G20," the scale of the challenges is undeniable.

Last month, the city council initiated a "clean-up" campaign targeting lawlessness, illegal activities, and hijacked properties. However, progress has been slow, and the underlying issues remain largely unaddressed. A devastating fire two years ago in a similar derelict building, which claimed 76 lives, served as a tragic wake-up call, yet tangible improvements have been minimal.

Life in Ruins: A Glimpse Inside Vannin Court

The BBC visited Vannin Court, another inner-city building, where residents endure appalling conditions. Rooms are filled with dirt and litter, and a pervasive stench of human waste fills the air. Resident Sinethemba Maqoma stated that the council-owned building has been hijacked and the city council has cut off the water supply. "The municipality was angry about the crime from this building... that's why they took [away] the water," added Sinqhiwe Goodman Sithole, another resident. The city council has not responded to requests for comment regarding Vannin Court's water supply.

Without electricity, residents rely on portable gas stoves for cooking, creating a significant fire hazard in the absence of water or fire extinguishers. Cars abandoned in the basement are partially submerged in sewage, and residents are forced to use buckets of water to flush toilets that drain directly into the basement.

Historical Context and the Legacy of Apartheid

Johannesburg's current housing crisis is rooted in the legacy of apartheid. Following the end of white-minority rule in 1994, a large influx of black and mixed-race residents moved from townships to the city center in search of economic opportunities. This influx placed immense pressure on the existing housing supply. Combined with under-investment and the exodus of wealthy landlords, many buildings fell into disrepair and became vulnerable to illegal activities.

The Hijackers' Perspective: Drugs and Corruption

Joseph (not his real name), a former hijacker, spoke to the BBC on condition of anonymity. He revealed how he was hired to "clean" buildings and advertise them for rent, but the primary purpose was often drug production. "The main business about the building is cooking the drugs," he said, referring to nyaope, a highly addictive street drug. He claims that corruption within the city council and police force enables hijackers to operate with impunity, alleging that bribes prevent evictions.

Nthatisi Modingoane, the City of Johannesburg's deputy director of communications, stated that the council has no "physical" or "credible reports" of collusion with building hijackers. However, he added that the council is intensifying operations to tackle criminal activity in hijacked buildings and clean up the city.

Evictions: A Complex and Costly Solution

While evicting residents from derelict and hijacked buildings may seem like a straightforward solution, it is a complex and costly undertaking. South Africa's constitution protects the right to housing, meaning that residents cannot be forcibly evicted unless the state provides alternative accommodation. This places a significant financial burden on the local authority.

According to Sheriff Marks Mangaba, whose jurisdiction covers part of the inner city, large-scale evictions are financially prohibitive. Furthermore, South Africa's Prevention of Illegal Eviction Act requires a court order for every eviction, leading to legal challenges and delays.

The Need for a Sustainable Solution

President Ramaphosa has emphasized the importance of transforming hijacked buildings into "living accommodations where our people can live lives of dignity." However, for many residents, this vision remains elusive. As Mr. Khetani stated, "The city has no money and nobody cares."

Analyst Dr. Sarah Johnson, a researcher at the Centre for Urban Studies at the University of Witwatersrand, argues that a multi-faceted approach is necessary. "Addressing Johannesburg's inner-city crisis requires a combination of increased investment in affordable housing, stricter enforcement of building codes, and a concerted effort to combat corruption within the city council and police force," she says. "Without a holistic strategy, the city risks perpetuating a cycle of neglect and criminality."

Similarly, Professor David McDonald, Director of the Southern African Migration Programme, highlights the importance of considering the rights of migrants and refugees living in these buildings. "Many residents are undocumented migrants who are particularly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse," he explains. "Any solution must ensure that their rights are protected and that they are provided with access to essential services."

As Johannesburg prepares to host the G20 summit, the plight of its inner-city residents serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing many African cities. Addressing these challenges requires a commitment to good governance, sustainable development, and the protection of human rights. ```