In the wake of the devastating fire outbreak that ravaged buildings in Marshall Town, Johannesburg, the South African Parliament has announced plans for independent constitutional scrutiny of the incident. As the latest count reveals a grim toll of 76 lives lost, with numerous others injured, the nation is grappling with the profound tragedy.
According to reports by SABC, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, Speaker of the National Assembly, and Amos Masondo, Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, have disclosed that relevant parliamentary committees will be tasked with conducting a comprehensive examination. This investigation will encompass the roles played by various stakeholders, including government ministries. The primary focus of this scrutiny is to assess the current legal compliance status of the so-called “kidnapped buildings.”
Moloto Mothapo, Parliament Spokesperson, provided further insight into this critical inquiry, stating, “Relevant committees of parliament will be immediately assigned to oversee both the immediate and the long-term efforts of various branches of the government in response to this disaster. These committees will also look to the distressing phenomenon of the building hijacking within the city, which is the grave concern that demands urgent attention. The assigned committees will also investigate the conditions of both private and government buildings, focusing on their compliance with safety regulations.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the Johannesburg fire as a “tragic disaster.” Addressing the nation, he expressed his condolences for the victims and their families, saying, “I would like to offer my deep condolences to the families of those who have passed away and those who are injured and wish a speedy recovery for those who are injured.” The fire has left an indelible mark on the nation, prompting both immediate response and a broader inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.