South African authorities have cited extreme poverty and a severe lack of affordable housing as key contributors to a devastating fire in Johannesburg, which claimed the lives of 77 individuals in August 2023. The deadly blaze destroyed the Usindiso building in Marshalltown, where many low-income residents were living in dire conditions. The tragedy, which also left numerous others injured, drew national outrage and highlighted the deep housing inequalities in South Africa's wealthiest city.
In the aftermath, the Gauteng provincial government commissioned a report to investigate the incident and its underlying causes. While the final version of the report has not yet been made public, key findings were shared by the authorities. One individual, Sthembiso Mdlalose, has been charged in connection with the fire. Initially, Mdlalose confessed to starting the blaze but later recanted his statement during the trial. He now pleads not guilty to 76 counts of murder, among other charges.
The investigation revealed that "hijacked buildings" — properties illegally seized by criminals and rented out to vulnerable residents — were not the primary issue plaguing Johannesburg’s abandoned buildings. In fact, the report found that only 5% of these buildings were linked to rent collection by non-owners. However, many of these structures were overcrowded and lacked basic safety measures. In several instances, flimsy partitions made from highly flammable materials like plywood and fabric were used to create smaller rooms. Fire exits were often blocked, further heightening the danger in the event of an emergency.
Following the fire, a commission of inquiry was established with a twofold mandate: to investigate the specific causes of the fire and to explore the broader issue of hijacked buildings in the city’s downtown area. As part of its investigation, the commission inspected approximately 110 properties and uncovered alarming findings. Nearly 80% of the buildings surveyed had serious fire safety concerns, with 71% lacking any form of fire safety equipment. The absence of essential services such as running water, waste removal, and electricity was also found to exacerbate the risk of fire in these overcrowded buildings, with 77% of the inspected properties lacking basic sanitation and utilities.
The commission also criticized Johannesburg officials for failing to allocate sufficient funds to address the city’s housing crisis. It recommended the creation of a comprehensive plan to provide social housing and essential services, including electricity, water, and waste management, to the affected buildings. Moreover, the commission urged for the reduction of bureaucratic obstacles to allow for more efficient development and relocation of residents.
As the second anniversary of the Usindiso fire approaches, many survivors have yet to be relocated to permanent housing. Speaking to the BBC, Nomzamo Zondo, executive director of the Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI), emphasized the urgency of the commission’s recommendations. Zondo expressed hope that the findings would alter the approach of Johannesburg’s politicians and officials toward housing issues. She called for greater political will, improved planning, and better resource allocation to provide dignified living conditions for the city’s poor.
The fire at the Usindiso building serves as a tragic reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to South Africa's housing crisis, which continues to disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
Source: theghanareport
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