City of Joburg denies responsibility for the rehousing of Midrand apartment fire victims! The City of Johannesburg has rejected claims that it is responsible for rehousing more than 100 families displaced by a devastating fire in Broadwalk Urban Village, Midrand, in September.
The blaze claimed the life of one woman and left dozens of families—many of them undocumented—without homes or adequate support.
Landlord’s Promises Unfulfilled
On the day of the fire, the property owners assured tenants they would receive refunds for their R5,000 deposits and be provided with temporary accommodation through Airbnb. However, months later, these promises remain unfulfilled, leaving families in a precarious state.
City of Joburg denies responsibility
Displaced tenants have reported receiving little to no communication from the landlord regarding the promised assistance.
“We were told we would get help, but nothing has happened. We’ve been left to fend for ourselves,” said one tenant who asked to remain anonymous.
City of Johannesburg’s Stance
When questioned, the City of Johannesburg firmly denied any commitment to rehousing the affected families. Chris Vondo, a city spokesperson, clarified the municipality’s position:
“I know for a fact that the city did not make any commitment regarding relocating those people. All that was said was that the landlord will take full responsibility while we investigate.”
The city’s response has sparked frustration among victims who feel abandoned by both the municipality and the property owner.
The Plight of Displaced Families
For the displaced families, the situation remains dire. Many are undocumented migrants who face additional barriers in accessing support services. Without official identification, some are unable to apply for formal housing or financial assistance, compounding their struggles.
Temporary shelters set up immediately after the fire have long since closed, forcing families to find alternative living arrangements. Some are sleeping in overcrowded accommodations or relying on the goodwill of friends and relatives. Others have been left homeless, battling the elements as summer rains begin.
Advocacy for Accountability
Community organizations and activists have stepped in, calling for urgent action and accountability. Thandiwe Mokoena, a social justice advocate, emphasized the need for collaboration between the city and private landlords to resolve the crisis:
“This is not just about pointing fingers. People’s lives have been upended. The city and the landlord must work together to ensure these families are rehoused and compensated fairly.”
Activists have also highlighted the broader housing challenges in Johannesburg, where many residents live in unsafe, overcrowded, or poorly maintained structures.
Landlord Under Scrutiny
The landlord’s failure to honor promises of refunds and temporary accommodation has come under significant scrutiny. Tenants argue that these promises created false hope and delayed their ability to seek alternative housing solutions.
The landlord has not responded to requests for comment, and some tenants are considering legal action to recover their deposits.
Municipal Investigation Underway
The City of Johannesburg has launched an investigation into the fire, with a focus on determining whether the building met safety and compliance standards. Initial reports suggest that Broadwalk Urban Village may have lacked adequate fire safety measures, including functioning fire extinguishers and emergency exits.
If the investigation confirms negligence, the landlord could face fines or legal consequences. However, this does little to address the immediate needs of displaced families.
Homelessness and Uncertainty
As the weeks turn into months, the affected families continue to live in uncertainty. Many have expressed a sense of hopelessness, unsure of when, or if, they will find stability.
One mother, clutching her young child, described her anguish:
“We lost everything in that fire. Now we are losing our dignity too. All we want is a place to call home again.”
Moving Forward
The Broadwalk fire underscores the urgent need for stronger tenant protections and improved disaster response mechanisms. While the investigation continues, calls for accountability from both the city and private property owners are growing louder.
For the displaced families, however, time is of the essence. Without immediate intervention, their struggles are likely to deepen, further exposing the cracks in Johannesburg’s housing system.
#City #Joburg #denies #responsibility #rehousing #Midrand #apartment #fire #victims
