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The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in Gauteng extends its deepest condolences to the families affected by the recent tragic shack fire incidents in the City of Johannesburg, the loss of lives in these fires is heart-wrenching.

The first fire Incident was reported in Orange Farm around 1am yesterday where a male adult lost his life when his backroom shack caught fire. The second shack fire incident happened around 3am yesterday in Matholesville, Roodepoort, where a family of three, which includes two adults and one child – lost their lives when their shack caught fire.

It is evident that poverty and lack of services and access to proper housing remains a challenge. The cold weather conditions, the continuous loadshedding and extremely low temperature exposes people to the risk of fire as they struggle to keep warm.

COSATU in the province calls on the provincial government and other relevant authorities to address issues relating to the triple challenges in the province, the Department of Human Settlements together with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure need to focus on the well-being and welfare of the citizens.

COSATU Gauteng emphasizes the importance of providing adequate housing and proper heating facilities to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents, especially during extreme weather conditions. Sustained action is required to protect vulnerable communities from such tragedies.

We call on the communities to be vigilant and cautious around the heating and lighting tools and not to leave them unattended as this remains a huge risk.

AMANDLA!!!

Issued by COSATU Gauteng