The Democratic Alliance (DA) has opened talks with parties across Parliament to win support for a private member's bill that seeks urgent amendments to the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land (PIE) Act.

DA human settlements spokesperson Luyolo Mphithi said the reforms are needed now to curb syndicate-driven land invasions that force municipalities to divert scarce housing funds to emergency services instead of building formal homes.

The proposal would criminalise the incitement of illegal occupations, strengthen court rules on providing alternative accommodation, and protect local governments from the “endless cycle” of invasions draining budgets. Gauteng already hosts more than 1 000 informal settlements, many of which emerged almost overnight on land without water, sanitation, or electricity. Families are left in unsafe conditions while municipalities shoulder the fallout.

Mphithi warned that departmental amendments could take up to five years, meaning relief would only reach communities by 2030 if Parliament ignores the Bill. “To stand in the way of these amendments would be reckless in the extreme,” he said, urging MPs to put South Africa first and back the legislation.