Johannesburg inner city has '101 hijacked buildings': 'The City is doing nothing'
A fire engulfed an abandoned three-storey building in Johannesburg's CBD on Sunday, killing four people.
A building in Jeppestown caught alight in the early hours of Sunday, 25 August 2024. Four people lost their lives. Picture: X/@_ArriveAlive
Africa Melane interviews Siyabonga Mahlangu, Secretary General of the Innercity Federation.
Listen below.
On Sunday morning, a fire engulfed an abandoned three-storey building in Johannesburg's CBD, where an informal settlement had been established, according to Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS).
The blaze, which started in Jeppestown in the early hours, claimed the lives of four individuals.
Three people were treated for injuries and smoke inhalation at nearby hospitals.
The fire, which has now been contained, devastated the building and left many residents homeless.
In response, the City of Johannesburg announced it had no option but to refer the undocumented foreign nationals who survived the fire to the Department of Home Affairs.
RELATED: Joburg CBD fire: CoJ says it has no choice but to hand over undocumented foreign nationals to DHA
Mahlangu says that the City has failed to take action on hijacked and abandoned buildings.
He notes that, in contrast, the Khampepe Commission is actively working to investigate and address these issues within the inner city.
"The City is still chilled. They're doing nothing on their side."
- Siyabonga Mahlangu, Secretary General – Innercity Federation
Mahlangu says they are partnering with the Commission to pinpoint buildings experiencing similar problems, such as abandonment by owners and insufficient basic services.
He says there are 101 hijacked and abandoned buildings in the inner city.
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.