Chuma Giyose

Oct 24, 2023 | mg.co.za | Ivan Turok |Chuma Giyose |Claudia Hitzeroth |Zama Mgwatyu

The tragic loss of 78 lives when fire engulfed a downtown Johannesburg building illustrates the challenge of housing a bulging urban population in safe, dignified conditions. While the apartheid government resisted urbanisation and refused to build liveable neighbourhoods for black people, the ANC government and metropolitan authorities have been ambivalent, fearing that cities will be overwhelmed.