04 Sep Johannesburg fire highlights housing crisis

Authorities have revealed that extreme poverty and a severe lack of affordable housing were significant contributing factors to a fire that claimed 77 lives in the Usindiso building in Marshalltown in August 2023.
The fire, which left many injured and homeless, has shone a light on the housing inequalities in South Africa’s wealthiest city.
Following the fire, the Gauteng provincial government commissioned a report to investigate the causes of the fire and to explore the persistent issue of hijacked buildings in the city centre.
Key findings indicate that only approximately 5 per cent of the city’s abandoned or decrepit buildings are believed to be ‘hijacked’ by criminals who illegally charge rent to vulnerable residents.
The majority of these structures are described as overcrowded and hazardous, often with makeshift partitions made of combustible materials, in addition to blocked fire exits.
Nearly 80 per cent of the surveyed buildings exhibited serious fire risks.71 per cent of these properties were devoid of any fire safety equipment.
City officials have faced criticism for insufficient funding allocated for housing, and the commission has urged the development of a comprehensive plan to address the social housing crisis in Johannesburg.
Recommendations include ensuring basic services like water and electricity in urban buildings and streamlining processes for developers and tenant relocations.