Joburg MMC Mlungisi Mabaso Offers Condolences as Diepkloof Hostel Tragedy Sparks Anger Over Alleged Land Misdeal

A somber scene unfolded in Soweto this week as Johannesburg’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Human Settlements, Mlungisi Mabaso, visited families mourning the loss of loved ones following a violent protest at the Diepkloof Hostel. The unrest, sparked by long-standing frustrations over housing shortages and alleged corrupt land deals, left at least three people dead and raised fresh concerns over governance and accountability.

The protest, which began on Monday, quickly turned chaotic when angry residents blocked the N1 Highway and Chris Hani Road with burning tyres and rocks during the morning rush hour. According to reports, tensions reached a deadly climax when one of the trucks carrying canned fish sped through the area and fatally struck a protester. In a separate incident, a panicked truck driver trying to escape the protest veered into the hostel precinct, unintentionally hitting two more people.

During Thursday’s condolence visit, MMC Mabaso extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families. “As the City of Johannesburg, we are here to grieve with you. These deaths should never have happened. We must ensure that when communities speak out, it never again ends in bloodshed,” he said.

Among the mourners was Mandla Makhaye, uncle of Velani Makhaye, one of the victims. Velani had moved to Johannesburg in search of a better life. “His death has left our family shattered. But thanks to the MMC’s support and that of the community, we are able to take his body back to Greytown for burial,” Mandla shared, visibly emotional.

Behind the grief, however, lies a deeper issue—community outrage over claims that parts of the overcrowded Diepkloof Hostel were sold to private individuals in a shadowy deal, halting long-overdue renovations. Mabaso confirmed that a city-led investigation is underway. “Preliminary findings show no funds were received by the municipality from the alleged transaction. But this has delayed the housing upgrades we had already begun,” he stated.

Community leader Sibongiseni Khoza didn’t hold back. “None of this would’ve happened if city officials hadn’t selfishly sold government land. These deals derail development and ignite unrest. As leaders, we’re left to calm people who are justifiably angry, and sometimes that anger spills over in tragic ways.”

As Soweto continues to reel from this tragedy, the spotlight is now firmly on Joburg’s housing department to deliver justice and ensure accountability. For families who lost their loved ones, condolences are not enough. They want answers—and change.

{Source: IOL}

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