Tragic Johannesburg Fire Reflects South African Economic Landscape
A fire destroyed an apartment complex in Johannesburg, South Africa. Over 70 people were killed, most of which were undocumented immigrants. The building was considered an “informal settlement,” where inhabitants had little to no access to basic needs such as water, electricity or adequate sanitation. The fire highlights a widespread issue in South Africa: buildings that are unsafe to occupy are being occupied by immigrants that have no other housing option.
On the 31st of August, a little after 1 a.m. local time, the fire blazed through the building, trapping many occupants because of the obstructions in the buildings. The building was reportedly owned by the city of Johannesburg, but was not being managed. It used to be a “pass” office that controlled the movement of black people under apartheid. The building was one of a number of buildings authorities named “hijacked buildings,” abandoned and broken down buildings that desperate people have used for years. Some citizens blamed city officials for not removing unauthorized citizens from the building, but officials claimed that it was difficult to receive a court order to remove the homeless from those buildings.
The housing crisis in Johannesburg is all but a mere look into the economic dysfunction that permeates the South African landscape. South Africa continues to be the most unequal nation in the world, to which racial inequality impacts its economic outlook. Apartheid’s impact, through racial and spatial segregation, continues to display the remarkable disparity and inequality to which 10% of the country’s population holds 80% of the country’s wealth. This has been reinforced by the instability within the country’s political institutions. Within the past two years, the city of Johannesburg has had over 8 mayors who have failed to address the city’s crises, one of them being the housing crisis. The rotation of different administrations have provided alternative and opposing answers to the housing crisis. Different political parties and administrations have blamed Apartheid policy, while others have focused their blame on the overgrowing presence of refugees and migrants.
After the repeal of the Apartheid policies, Black South Africans were able to move from rural areas to the cities and surrounding suburbs to find employment and better schooling opportunities. However, as the migration increased, housing opportunities decreased and in turn, many building owners abandoned their investments out of fear for the new South Africa. As a result, these buildings became venues for squatters as well as illegal syndicates to occupy and demand payment. While there are laws that prevent individuals from occupying buildings illegally, they aren’t adequately enforced. Alternatively, the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from an Unlawful Occupation of Land Act 19 of 1998 was passed to reverse apartheid-era legislation that allowed for the eviction of black South Africans and the destruction of their homes. Legally, officials cannot evict individuals from their dwelling without providing alternative housing. Given that the city of Johannesburg only has 3 housing shelters and over 15,000 individuals who are homeless, it is evident that the government just does not have the resources nor the infrastructure. Additionally, the current legal framework lacks adequate legislation that formalizes property regulations and laws.
South African President and leader of the African National Congress (ANC) Cryil Ramaphosa said in his statement: “We are not here to blame anyone, this is a difficult lesson for all of us.” He also called the situation a “wake up call” for South Africa’s economic hub to address their city housing crisis. With 76 lives lost, this “wake up call” has demonstrated the city’s view on its residents in its lack of ensuring that all South Africans have safe and adequate housing. It is therefore crucial that South Africa’s government recognise its past, in order to ensure the longevity and prosperity of its future.
Image Credits: Bobby Shabangu — Edited by GorStra Team