Deadly Fire in Africa’s Richest City Exposed a Secret in Plain SightOfficials blame immigrants and liberal housing laws, but a Times investigation found the entrenched problems that turned downtown Johannesburg into a blighted tinderbox.
Nov. 10, 2023Days after the fire, officials in Johannesburg reached for a well-worn script.
So instead, they turned their attention to another government-owned property, Vannin Court.
It’s an eight-story building where hundreds of people live without running water or power.
“When people die in these buildings, it is the city of Johannesburg that gets blamed,” Kenny Kunene, a city official, told TV cameras minutes before the raid began.
Persons:
It’s, ” Kenny Kunene, ”
Organizations:
Africa’s, Albert
Locations:
Johannesburg