Sibongile Majavava, along with her partner and toddler, has been struggling to rebuild their lives after a deadly fire in August 2023 left them homeless. The blaze in the Usindiso building in Johannesburg killed 76 people and displaced hundreds. The dilapidated state of the building and other similar structures in the city have been attributed to criminal cartels taking over these properties and renting out unsafe living spaces to vulnerable people. The City of Johannesburg has been found liable for neglecting these buildings, leading to unsafe and hazardous living conditions.
In response to the housing crisis, the government set up temporary shelters like the Wembley stadium, where survivors of building fires and evicted residents are housed. However, these shelters have been criticized for their poor conditions, with residents feeling neglected and unsafe. The Inner City Federation has raised concerns about the lack of adequate services and upkeep at these shelters, leading to a cycle of poverty and despair. The city’s failure to provide alternative housing for displaced individuals has further exacerbated the crisis.
The tragic history of the Usindiso building, originally an office block under apartheid, turned shelter for abused women and children, highlights the lack of adequate housing options for vulnerable populations in Johannesburg. Following the fire, survivors were temporarily housed at various locations, including the Denver settlement, which also had its share of challenges. The deteriorating conditions in these shelters have left residents feeling forgotten and vulnerable to crime and other dangers.
The closure of the Usindiso building and ongoing investigations into the causes of the fire have shed light on the challenges faced by residents of hijacked buildings in Johannesburg. The inquiry into the fire has identified issues such as lack of ventilation and combustible materials used for partitions, contributing to the spread of the fire. While some progress has been made in holding individuals accountable for the fire, implementing recommendations to improve living conditions and provide support to survivors remains a challenge.
The survivors, including Majavava and her family, continue to navigate red tape and bureaucratic hurdles while trying to rebuild their lives. The lack of identification documents and access to basic services like healthcare has added to their struggles. The ongoing investigations and recommendations from the inquiry aim to address the root causes of the housing crisis in Johannesburg and hold accountable those responsible for neglecting vulnerable populations. However, challenges remain in enforcing these recommendations and ensuring the well-being of survivors.
As the city grapples with the aftermath of the Usindiso fire and other building disasters, there is a pressing need for sustainable housing solutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of residents. The plight of individuals like Majavava highlights the urgent need for improved housing policies and support services to prevent future tragedies and address the underlying issues of housing insecurity in Johannesburg. By addressing the systemic failures that led to the housing crisis, the city can work towards providing safe and dignified housing for all its residents.
