Shelter Closure Leaves Hundreds Stranded in Johannesburg

By: Ofentse Tladi

The closure of Johannesburg’s largest shelter has left over 300 vulnerable people without essential support, exposing them to harsh conditions. The City’s leadership faces scrutiny for allowing the facility to deteriorate.  

Outside 3 Kotze Street. Photo: Ofentse Tladi

Hundreds of vulnerable people have been left stranded after Johannesburg’s largest shelter was shut down due to unsafe conditions. Located right across the street from the Constitutional Hill, 3 Kotze street has long been known as a haven for women, men and children. The closure has left these them without shelter for the past nine months.  

On December 3, 2023, an occupational health and safety assessment (OHASA) declared the building unsafe, resulting in its sudden closure. In a press release, DA Johannesburg Caucus Leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku stated DA Johannesburg councilors Beverly Jacobs and Chantelle Fourie-Shawe visited the shelter and claimed to have witnessed its shocking condition. What they said they saw was a shelter plagued by a lack of security, unreliable electricity, and severe plumbing issues, with water leaking from the rooftop causing extensive damage to the top floor.  

The Gauteng Provincial Department of Infrastructure Development has withdrawn all support services and the City’s property maintenance and management entity, the Joburg Property Company (JPC), has also withdrawn its support services.  

The Constitutional Hill opposite 3 Kotze Street.

Speaking to Wits Vuvuzela, former shelter resident Emmanuel De Silva described the lengthy route he now takes to reach a place to sleep for the night. He passes Brixton Tower, near the police station by the old Rand Show, and continues up from the Jewish Graveyard. From observation, De Silva’s severe weight loss indicates he may be facing significant health issues.  

Since the closure, the situation has become worse. Despite multiple break-ins, no official security has been assigned to the building. As a result, social development officials, left feeling desperate and abandoned, have had to secure the premises themselves.  

Upon reaching out to the Social Development Officials on-site, they referred to Nthatisi Modingoane, the City of Johannesburg’s spokesperson, as the only contact for comments. Since reaching out to Modingoana on August 28, 2024, he has yet to respond to the inquiries.  

A detailed message was sent to Modingoane on August 28, requesting his comment, and he was called again on September 2, but all the calls went to straight voicemail.  

The DA plans to hold the current administration of the City of Johannesburg through the Section 79 oversight committee and council, which entails a detailed examination of the administration’s actions and decisions, and potential recommendations for corrective measures.