Two years after the devastating fire at the Usindiso building in Johannesburg, where 76 lives were lost, survivors now find themselves grappling with a new nightmare: the threat of gun violence.
The once-thriving structure, which became a symbol of desperation for the homeless, is now a stark reminder of the need for safe housing. Vusi Tshabalala, who narrowly escaped the inferno, recalls the harrowing night when he fled with nothing but a wet blanket. Yet, the fear of returning to such tragedies is overshadowed by present-day dangers as many survivors live in informal settlements rife with criminal activity.
Tshabalala initially relocated after the fire but struggled to find work, forcing him back to the area near the ruins of his former home. Meanwhile, fellow survivor Thobeka Biyela, who was shot while living in temporary accommodations, highlights the absence of safety measures for residents. This place is not safe, she states, echoing the fears of her neighbors, as violence continues to plague the site.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, who visited the site shortly after the tragedy, pledged to address the housing crisis in inner Johannesburg. However, two years later, survivors like Tshabalala express frustration over broken promises and uncertain futures. No one seems interested in where we are living now, he laments, pointing to the visible neglect and lack of assistance from authorities.
As the G20 summit approaches in South Africa, there is a glimmer of hope that the government's renewed focus on the inner city may prompt real change. For now, the survivors of the Usindiso building fire continue to face their daily struggles, searching for safety and stability amidst ongoing violence and uncertainty.
