Some of OCR's Achievements

  • Organising, educating & empowering tenants, the homeless & residents.
  • Proactive involvement against drugs and crime.
  • Founding member and co-ordinator of various anti-crime and redevelopment forums.
  • Successful representations at rent board.
  • Arbitration between landlord and tenants.
  • On going discussions at central, provincial and local governments
  • Networking with civics and other relevant groups regionally, nationally and internationally.
  • A major stakeholder on new legislation for landlords & tenants.
  • Various High Court actions resulting in the reintroduction of rent boards nationally in 1986, reintroduction of rent control in Warwick Avenue in 1993, reinstatement of displaced tenants, reconnection of water & electricity supplies, prevention of racist evictions.

At National Government level

  • 1984 - 1989: OCR was in the forefront for the abolition of the Group Areas Act
  • 1995 - 1999: OCR was instrumental in bringing about and contributed to the Rental Housing Act 50 of 1999. Served on the national task team to advise the Minister of Housing
  • 1995 - 1999: Brought about changes in the composition of rent boards

Publications on the OCR

  • Maharaj, B. & Mpungose, J. (1994). The Erosion of Residential Segregation in South Africa: The “Greying” of Albert Park in Durban. Durban, South Africa.
  • Maharaj, B. (1993). Civic Organisations in the Apartheid Inner City: A Case Study of the Durban Central Residents Association. Durban, South Africa.
  • Maharaj, B. (1999). The Integrated Community Apartheid Could Not Destroy: The Warwick Avenue Triangle In Durban. Durban, South Africa.

Research Conducted

  • Durban’s homeless community Survey
  • Crime survey results - Albert Park
  • Evictions, Displacement and Shelter needs
  • Rental housing & socio-economic survey of Marloth Gardens
  • Report on the rental survey and profile of buildings in Albert Park
  • Assessment of the socio-economic conditions at Sydenham Heights
  • The Four Townships Survey
  • Crime survey results: Inner City CBD - “West Street Precinct”
  • Carlisle Street Shelter