Saturday, 31 August 2024, marked a year since the Usindiso building fire on Albert Street, Marshalltown. The Marshalltown Fire Justice Campaign hosted a candlelight vigil outside the Usindiso building in recognition of the lives that were lost in the fire and affirmed solidarity for the fight for justice by the survivors of the fire, who have yet been provided with alternative housing and compensation for their loss. The memorial was attended by the survivors of the fire, various civil society organisations, as well as members of the public. SERI stands in solidarity with the campaign and echoes the campaign's call for justice for the survivors and the families of the victims. The event was attended by some of the SERI's staff including SERI's executive director Nomzamo Zondo, who delivered a message of solidarity on behalf of SERI.
The fire at Usindiso claimed the lives of 77 people including 12 children and left many more injured and destitute. The building, which had become derelict, was owned by the City of Johannesburg and the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC). The Khampepe Commission of Inquiry into the fire has found that the building was abandoned by the City and JPC at least since 2019 and has found that the City and its entities, including the JPC, must bear partial responsibility and/or accountability for the tragedy and that that the consequences of the fire would have been mitigated had the City complied with its legal obligations as owner and municipality.
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