Midrand fire survivors struggling to make ends meet

Exactly one week after the devastating Midrand Complex Building Fire, emotional survivors are struggling to make ends meet.

The blaze gutted the Broadwalk Urban Village, leaving one person dead and hundreds of others homeless.

For 29-year-old Zintle Madlanga and her partner, Phakamile Nkosi, life has been a daily struggle.

The couple and their two-year-old daughter have accumulated a hotel bill of over R4 000 since the fire destroyed their home.

Despite initial promises, Mafadi Property Management has reportedly provided no support.

“We’re worried about our daughter’s next meal,” Zintle said, highlighting the dire situation.

Residents accuse Mafadi Property Management of abandonment, making it impossible to locate the management team.

The lack of security has also left the survivors vulnerable to theft, with expensive appliances and furniture being stolen from the complex.

Zintle and Phakamile blame Mafadi Property Management for failing to care for residents and their belongings.

The young couple has been ignored by property owners, receiving only silence in response to their pleas.

As survivors grapple with emotional scars, they demand accountability from property owners accused of flouting building regulations.

Victims have banded together, seeking compensation for lost belongings and gearing up for legal action.

Resident Thabo Tloti hopes successful claims will help survivors rebuild their lives.

“We’ve given Mafadi Property Management 14 days to respond to our demands,” Tloti said.

Some victims are undergoing therapy for emotional damage, while others receive treatment for smoke inhalation.

Lawyers, representing survivors, estimate that proper compensation will take at least a year.

Investigations continue, with residents citing the rapid spread of the blaze as evidence of inadequate fire prevention measures.