The situation at 80 Albert Street in Johannesburg was no secret to anyone. In January 2019, Mpho Phalatse, a city official, visited the building and was appalled by what she witnessed: sewage leakage, an influx of squatters, and unsupervised children in dirty clothes. She immediately called for the health clinic in the building to be shut down. Neighbors had been complaining about crime and the presence of slumlords in the city-owned building for some time. The building had been abandoned and left in an uninhabitable state. Residents pleaded with authorities for help, but their pleas went unanswered. City inspectors had even reported fire hazards in the building, such as scorched outlets and melted wires.
On a winter night in January 2022, a fire broke out in the building, causing the deaths of at least 76 people. It was later revealed that Johannesburg officials were aware of the dangerous conditions but did not take sufficient action. Brian McKechnie, an architect and heritage expert, expressed his outrage at the city’s failure and the injustice of the situation.
80 Albert Street is a poignant symbol of South Africa’s troubled past and present. It was once the dreaded Pass Office during apartheid, where Black people had to go through degrading and threatening experiences to obtain travel passes. After apartheid, the building briefly served as a women’s shelter, representing hope amid the crumbling city. However, it eventually became a last resort for the desperate, with no heating, little electricity or running water, and shacks filling the yard.
The demise of 80 Albert Street cannot be attributed to a single cause. It is the result of a housing crisis, migration patterns, South Africa’s economic decline, and political turmoil within the ruling African National Congress party. The city’s coalition governments have been ineffective in addressing these problems, with frequent changes in leadership hindering progress.
What is most concerning after the fire is the air of resignation among city officials. While they acknowledge the tragedy, they also view it as inevitable. Mlimandlela Ndamase, the mayor’s spokesperson, admitted that various city agencies were aware of the issues at 80 Albert Street, as it had been classified as a problematic building for eight years. There were police raids and inspections, but the solutions were not straightforward. Ndamase pointed out that there are 140 similar buildings in Johannesburg that could face a similar fate.
The fate of 80 Albert Street reflects the state of its surroundings. Since the end of apartheid, South African cities have experienced significant capital flight, leaving the central business districts in a state of decay. Johannesburg’s downtown area is characterized by deserted buildings and poorly policed streets. Despite these challenges, the women’s shelter persisted until its lease ended in 2013. Many women chose to stay, becoming targets for criminals who took advantage of their vulnerability.
Derelict buildings like 80 Albert Street are prevalent in downtown Johannesburg. Squatters move in first, followed by slumlords who demand protection payments. In 2015, criminals invaded 80 Albert Street and took control. City officials issued warnings about the deteriorating conditions, but no meaningful changes were made. The building continued to deteriorate, with shacks being erected outside and emergency fire systems being destroyed.
Former mayor Herman Mashaba launched a task force to address the issue of hijacked buildings but faced resource constraints. He was eventually removed from office, and subsequent administrations failed to take decisive action. The closure of the health clinic and a police raid in October 2019 were small steps, but they were not enough to prevent the tragedy that occurred in 2022.
The story of 80 Albert Street serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the challenges South Africa faces in addressing housing issues, urban decay, and political instability. The neglect and injustice experienced by the building’s residents highlight the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to uplift communities and ensure their safety and well-being.
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