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A view of the collapsed double-storey building in Soweto.
Johannesburg MMC for Economic Development, Nomoya Mnisi says the Xaba family will be relocated following the collapse of a double-storey building in Doornkop, Soweto, which claimed the lives of three of their family members, Hloniphile Xaba (60), her daughter Nqobile (24), and her granddaughter, Langelihle (one-year-old), on Sunday.
Speaking to SABC News during the family visit, Mnisi argues that residents moved to the area after flooding in 2023, despite ongoing environmental risks.
She adds that all residents in the affected area would be relocated.
“Already the MMC for human settlements came into the area, I think two times this year. He was here to assess. There’s an area just up the road which was identified, and a proper cutting of stands will be done there. So we are looking not only to assess this family but all South African citizens who are occupying this area; they are going to be moved,” she says.
For family member Zinhle Xaba, the loss is devastating. “As the family, it’s a very difficult time. We are devastated. However, we are trying to hang in there, and we need to be strong. But we are in so much pain.”
The MMC confirms that, in collaboration with various foundations, the City will cover funeral costs, tombstones and provide food parcels.
“The City of Joburg will provide assistance with graveyards through the speaker’s office and ward councillor. We also have a Joburg market entity assisting with vegetables and dry food packs, already delivered to the family. Plus, other partners and foundations have committed to cover the entire funeral.”
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yc-yRNaWQrM
The incident has renewed concerns about Gauteng’s infrastructure challenges. Shining the spotlight on issues of over-crowding, substandard construction and illegal building alterations in some urban areas.
Johannesburg MMC for Housing Mlungisi Mabaso has warned residents against illegally occupying unsafe structures.
“So it was an illegal structure, which was not compliant, and even how the structure was constructed, you can see there was no reinforcement of the structure, there was no slab that was there. So I don’t know how that double storey was constructed, but you will understand, because it’s in an informal settlement and it’s in an area that is not suitable for human settlement.”
RELATED VIDEO | Soweto building collapse | Puseletso Mokoena speaks to bereaved family
Investigations into the cause of the collapse are continuing, as communities are urged to report visible cracks, shifting walls and unsafe structures before tragedy strikes.
RELATED VIDEO | Soweto building collapse claims three live
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ka4CSHapapY
