Johannesburg fire commission venue fails safety checks

The City of Johannesburg’s commission investigating the fatal Usindiso building fire, which claimed the lives of 77 people, has been rocked by revelations of non-compliance.

The Sunnyside Office Park, where the inquiry was being conducted, has been found lacking a necessary compliance certificate.

This development came to light after the Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) served a notice to the commission highlighting the venue’s safety shortfalls.

Public Safety MMC declares Johannesburg venue ‘non-compliant’

The Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Safety in Johannesburg, Mgcini Tshwaku, said that the oversight that permitted the use of a non-compliant building for such a critical investigation.

The report noted that following a recent oversight inspection at the office, City of Johannesburg MMC for Public Safety Mgcini Tshwaku said it is inconceivable how the commission was allowed to use the venue in the first place.

The commission had to halt proceedings abruptly to seek an alternative venue to continue with its work.

Tshwaku revealed that the Sunnyside Office Park has been non-compliant for many years, stressing the gravity of the situation and the need for cooperation between the provincial government and the city municipality to ensure adherence to safety regulations.

Thulani Makhubela, the commission’s spokesperson, deflected responsibility to the provincial government, which handles the logistics of the commission stating that the Gauteng government is responsible for all logistical issues.

IFSJ Comment

The recent findings of non-compliance at the Sunnyside Office Park, the venue for the Usindiso building fire commission, present a stark reminder of the persistent gaps in regulatory enforcement and building safety standards.

The situation at hand provides a case study for municipal authorities everywhere to reassess their oversight and enforcement mechanisms to prevent similar occurrences.