Usindiso fire: poverty, governance failures, and the search for truth
Statement by Yongama Zigebe, Councillor in the City of Johannesburg for the United Democratic Movement and Chairperson of the S79 Committee on Gender, Youth and People with Disabilities
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in the City of Johannesburg notes with concern the shocking turn in the Usindiso fire trial, where the accused now claims he falsely confessed to starting the blaze in order to secure food and shelter in prison.
This desperate admission speaks volumes about the depth of poverty and despair in South Africa. That someone would rather take responsibility for one of the most heinous crimes in recent memory, a fire that killed 76 people, simply to secure “three meals and a roof over their head” is a harsh illustration of the conditions facing our nation.
While the courts must determine the truth of the matter, the UDM in the City of Johannesburg insists that this tragedy cannot be seen only through the lens of one man’s testimony. It also reflects a collapse of governance, social safety nets, and accountability around hijacked and unsafe buildings.
The families of the victims deserve clarity, justice, and closure. Every contradictory statement, every delay, and every failure to ensure accountability, whether through arson, negligence, or corruption in the management of municipal properties, deepens the pain of survivors.
The UDM in the City of Johannesburg calls for:
• A thorough and transparent investigation that goes beyond the individual accused to the broader systemic failures that enabled this tragedy
• Accountability from the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) and city authorities who allowed unsafe and hijacked buildings to become sites of danger.
• Urgent action by government to address the crisis of hijacked and unsafe buildings across South Africa before another tragedy occurs.
The truth about what happened at Usindiso must not be lost in shifting testimonies. The memory of the 76 lives lost demands nothing less than the full truth, accountability, and justice.
