CoJ’s failure to manage abandoned buildings could see repeat of Usindiso building fire: Activists

JOHANNESBURG _ Various social activist groups said the City of Johannesburg’s failure to manage abandoned buildings could see the repeat of the deadly Usindiso building fire, where 76 people were killed when the non-complaint structure was razed to the ground by a blaze.

Sunday marked the second anniversary of the tragedy.

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Survivors and the families of the victims who died in the fire commemorated the day with calls for justice for their loved ones.

The sombre gathering also marked two years since the establishment of the Usindiso Khampepe Commission of Inquiry, where the City of Johannesburg was found liable for the devastating ordeal.

Marshalltown Fire Justice coordinator Mametlwe Sebei said the damage could have been mitigated if the city had not neglected its own by-laws.

“Many more lives could have been saved, many more injured wouldn't have sustained injuries, but also the losses of the means of livelihoods of property would also have been minimised. So, where there is responsibility in law, there is liability. They must compensate the victims and the survivors.”