The Department of Human Settlements has extended the comment period for the new Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land (PIE) Amendment Bill by a month.

In a new gazette, the DHS extended the deadline for comments on the Bill by 30 days, starting 26 June 2026.

The submission period for the Bill was initially 16 June. 

BusinessTech reports that the department said it had received multiple requests from several stakeholders and organisations to extend the comment period. It noted that, while it has already received a substantial number of public comments, it wants to promote maximum participation in this crucial piece of legislation.

The new Bill aims to empower municipalities, state entities, and private property owners to respond more decisively to illegal occupations and evictions in the country. 

Most notably, it wants to make it an offence to incite others to illegally occupy land, with a R2m penalty if found guilty of doing so.

It was approved by the Cabinet in early April 2026 and gazetted for public comment soon afterwards.

The proposed amendments will strengthen the standing PIE Act of 1998 by making it more effective, easier to interpret and simpler to enforce.

It comes amid a rise in unlawful land and building occupations across the country, placing a significant financial and administrative burden on both the government and the private sector.

BusinessTech reports that the department noted at the time of its initial gazetting that the government had identified inconsistent interpretation of the existing laws as a key challenge, often resulting in lengthy court processes and escalating costs.

As part of this process, key provisions have been reviewed, and the Bill aims to close those gaps and create greater clarity.

Full BusinessTech report