City of Johannesburg authorities have rejected claims that delays in evacuating residents contributed to the tragic collapse of a double-storey building in Doornkop, Soweto, which claimed three lives on Sunday.
The incident occurred in the early hours of December 28 in the Bambai informal settlement, killing a one-year-old child and two women—identified as 60-year-old Hloniphile Xaba, her 24-year-old daughter Nqobile, and Nqobile’s toddler Langelihle. Three others were injured and hospitalised.
During a media briefing on Monday while visiting the bereaved families, Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero described the structure as illegal and non-compliant with building regulations.
“This place in itself was an illegal structure. We have moved people previously to Tshepisong [and Braamfischer], but people came back and reoccupied the area illegally,” Morero said. He highlighted ongoing challenges with undocumented foreign nationals settling in the area.
Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Human Settlements, Mlungisi Mabaso, supported Morero’s statements, noting that a new relocation plan for residents would be announced soon. Mabaso added that the city would collaborate with the Department of Home Affairs on deporting undocumented migrants, emphasising that formal housing provisions would prioritise South African citizens.
Morero assured affected families of government support, including temporary shelter and burial assistance, during this difficult time. He issued a stern warning against violating city by-laws and expressed confidence in ongoing efforts to tackle illegal building occupations across the metro.
The area is reportedly dolomitic and unsafe for habitation, prompting a previous relocation in 2021 due to environmental risks. However, residents allegedly returned illegally.
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has ordered an investigation by the Council for the Built Environment to determine the cause of the collapse and prevent future incidents.
The grieving family has appealed for public assistance with funeral arrangements.
