This tragedy occurs during a time when the SAHRC is hosting a national conference to critically evaluate the legacy of the Native Land Act of 1913, and to assess the extent to which the state has succeeded in undoing the injustices of colonial and apartheid era land dispossessions. The conference is further interrogating the state’s fulfilment of the land reform goals in line with all the previous recommendations and findings made by various institutions such as the SAHRC and other Chapter 9 bodies, civil society, academia, and the state itself.

As we mark 110 years since the enactment of the Native Land Act, rapid urban migration and access to land in cities has become central to discourses on land reform. It is estimated that by 2030, 70% of the national population will be residing in urban areas. The National Treasury estimates that this percentage will reach 77.4% by 2050. The rapid pace of urban migration is caused mainly by increased unemployment in rural areas, and the concentration of business and economic activity in cities.

Despite the projections of increased urban migration, it appears that a significant portion of the population will struggle to find housing and will either take up informal accommodation or settle on the urban periphery. The demand for subsidised or other affordable housing outstrips the number of available government or private sector housing units. At the current rate of delivery, the eradication of informal settlements is unlikely to be achieved by 2030. The Commission is therefore aware of the enormity of the challenge in finding solutions to the problem. However, in spite thereof, the loss of human lives, such as today’s tragedy, dictates that the state needs to do more and that, where possible, other stakeholders who are ready to contribute, should be encouraged to do so, towards finding a lasting solution.

The Usindiso building was described by Mr Robert Mulaudzi, today, the spokesperson for the City of Johannesburg’s EMS, as an ‘informal settlement inside a building’. The tragedy that unfolded there this morning is a sad reminder that, in many instances, particularly in Johannesburg, many of those who are unsuccessful in securing housing, resort to residing in ‘hijacked and abandoned buildings’ which are often characterised by deplorable and inhumane living conditions.

The SAHRC therefore calls on the state to prioritise the matter of urban migration. In the absence of urgent attention to human settlements and housing in urban areas, housing tragedies like those in Usindiso may become common in cities across South Africa.

The SAHRC, guided by its mandate, which is to promote, protect and monitor the observance of human rights, is currently on the ground at the scene, assessing this unfortunate tragedy. 

Ends

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission

Wisani Baloyi – Acting Communications Coordinator Tel: 081 016 8308 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Alucia Sekgathume – External Communications Tel: 082 689 2364 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.