The Tragic Tale of Usindiso Building: A Memorial of Fire and Loss
Blackened by soot, the gutted and derelict remains of South Africa’s infamous Usindiso building in central Johannesburg are an unintentional memorial to the 76 people who died here in a devastating fire two years ago.
A Survivor’s Story: Escaping the Flames
One of those was Vusi Tshabalala, who shakes his head in disbelief as he recalls how he survived the blaze on that late August night. “The fire seemed to come out of nowhere,” the 45-year-old tells the BBC in a melancholic voice, raspy from years of smoking cigarettes.
The Lingering Impact: Housing Inequalities
The tragedy shocked the nation and highlighted the deep housing inequalities in Africa’s wealthiest city — inequalities the authorities promised to address. President Cyril Ramaphosa called it “a wake-up call to begin to address the situation of housing in the inner city”.
A Desperate Search for Home
Two years on, many survivors like Mr. Tshabalala have still not found a permanent home. Relocated multiple times, he now lives in an informal settlement near the Usindiso building, where jobs are scarce but necessary for survival.
A Camp of Uncertainty: The Plight of Thobeka Biyela
Thobeka Biyela, another survivor, lives in a camp in Denver, plagued by safety concerns and lack of resources. Shot earlier this year, she struggles with physical and emotional pain, unable to leave the camp due to financial constraints.
A Call for Change: The Role of Authorities
Nomzamo Zondo, a lawyer advocating for human rights, emphasizes the need for permanent housing solutions and criticizes the slow progress in relocating survivors. Despite promises of redevelopment, little action has been taken.
A Glimmer of Hope: The Future of Johannesburg
With the upcoming G20 summit, there is hope for revitalizing Johannesburg’s inner-city neighborhoods and addressing housing challenges. However, lasting change requires commitment beyond the summit and a focus on providing dignified housing for the vulnerable.
The Ongoing Struggle: A Resident’s Doubts
As Mr. Tshabalala reflects on the current state of affairs, he remains skeptical of government action and worries about the future of those still living in limbo. The plight of the homeless men in tents serves as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead.
