Usindiso Tragedy: Survivors still await justice

Some survivors of the Usindiso Building tragedy in Marshalltown say their lives were shattered that day, and the trauma they experienced continues to haunt them.

Sunday, the 31st of August, marked two years since the devastating fire that claimed 76 lives. The blaze broke out in the early hours of the morning in a building that had been converted into an informal settlement at the corner of Albert and Delvers streets.

The Marshalltown fire reignited national debate over South Africa’s housing crisis and the legal complexities surrounding evictions — challenges that often hinder authorities from addressing illegal building occupations.

Yesterday, the Usindiso Community Forum and the Marshalltown Fire Justice Campaign gathered at the site of the tragedy to honour the victims and renew calls for justice and accountability.

Former resident, Sihle Dube, from Newcastle, said life has never been the same since that fateful day.

He says walking past the building still triggers deep trauma for him.

Another former tenant, Noluthando Khumalo from Zimbabwe, echoed Duba’s sentiments. She called for those responsible to be held accountable and appealed to the government for urgent assistance with housing.

The Commission of Inquiry into the Usindiso Building fire, chaired by retired Justice Sisi Khampepe, found that both the City of Johannesburg and the Johannesburg Property Company should be held partially liable for the tragedy.

Several survivors became emotional as they recounted how they lost everything in the fire. Many spoke of being moved from place to place despite promises of support after being discharged from hospital.

Among them, calls for immediate justice rang out once again.

Marshalltown Fire Justice Coordinator, Mametlwe Sebei, says it is disappointing that, despite the report being handed over last year, there has been no meaningful accountability, no justice, and no implementation of the report’s recommendations or compensation for the victims.