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| Johannesburg projects 'replicate apartheid city' in name of development | Johannesburg projects 'replicate apartheid city' in name of development |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| Very early in the morning, Diana Phololo and a dozen elderly women from 54 Soper Road step out on to the dark streets of central Johannesburg. If they are quick, they will beat the municipal cleaners to the detritus left overnight by revellers in the newly hip neighbourhoods of South Africa’s sprawling commercial capital. | Very early in the morning, Diana Phololo and a dozen elderly women from 54 Soper Road step out on to the dark streets of central Johannesburg. If they are quick, they will beat the municipal cleaners to the detritus left overnight by revellers in the newly hip neighbourhoods of South Africa’s sprawling commercial capital. |
| There is little solidarity among the 100 residents of the burned-out building where Phololo, 58, has lived unlawfully for nearly 20 years. Each races to the shattered bottles left on the pavements outside the bars and restaurants. Sold by the kilo for recycling, the glass provides the residents with enough money to eat. | There is little solidarity among the 100 residents of the burned-out building where Phololo, 58, has lived unlawfully for nearly 20 years. Each races to the shattered bottles left on the pavements outside the bars and restaurants. Sold by the kilo for recycling, the glass provides the residents with enough money to eat. |
| “It’s not easy at my age, but it’s all I’ve got,” she says. | “It’s not easy at my age, but it’s all I’ve got,” she says. |
| By dawn, the residents of 54 Soper Road are back home. They rest in overcrowded, windowless rooms or on the verandah, enjoying the few rays of sun that pierce the wall of tower blocks around their small, derelict building. There is no gas, electricity or sanitation. Water comes from a single standpipe. Children play in the rubbish-strewn yard. | By dawn, the residents of 54 Soper Road are back home. They rest in overcrowded, windowless rooms or on the verandah, enjoying the few rays of sun that pierce the wall of tower blocks around their small, derelict building. There is no gas, electricity or sanitation. Water comes from a single standpipe. Children play in the rubbish-strewn yard. |
| “Nothing really has changed here for years,” says Mandla Kayise, 50, who moved into the squat a decade ago when he arrived jobless in Johannesburg from his poor village in KwaZulu-Natal, 350 miles south. | “Nothing really has changed here for years,” says Mandla Kayise, 50, who moved into the squat a decade ago when he arrived jobless in Johannesburg from his poor village in KwaZulu-Natal, 350 miles south. |
| Soon he, Phololo and the others will be gone. An eviction is scheduled later this year. Despite the length of time many have been living there, no law in South Africa guarantees occupiers security after a set period. | Soon he, Phololo and the others will be gone. An eviction is scheduled later this year. Despite the length of time many have been living there, no law in South Africa guarantees occupiers security after a set period. |
| Once infamous for violence, crime and so-called “hijacked” buildings or squats, the centre of Johannesburg has undergone an astonishing transformation in recent years. Blocks that were effective no-go zones now house art galleries, cafes and museums. New businesses are opening. Neighbourhoods such as Braamfontein and Maboneng are now seen as hubs of creativity and cool. | Once infamous for violence, crime and so-called “hijacked” buildings or squats, the centre of Johannesburg has undergone an astonishing transformation in recent years. Blocks that were effective no-go zones now house art galleries, cafes and museums. New businesses are opening. Neighbourhoods such as Braamfontein and Maboneng are now seen as hubs of creativity and cool. |
| The change, however, though real, is limited. Exactly how widely its benefits will be felt is not yet clear. | The change, however, though real, is limited. Exactly how widely its benefits will be felt is not yet clear. |
| “Regeneration has to be for everyone … I have no problem with land for luxury apartments, as long as there is commensurate land for the poor,” says Stuart Wilson, of the local NGO Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa. | “Regeneration has to be for everyone … I have no problem with land for luxury apartments, as long as there is commensurate land for the poor,” says Stuart Wilson, of the local NGO Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa. |
| Displaced by development | Displaced by development |
| Many have dated the decline of the 18-sq-km inner city of Johannesburg to the country’s first democratic elections in 1994, which saw the African National Congress (ANC) take power. | |
| This is unfair, says Gerald Garner, a local historian and guide. Racist measures adopted by the apartheid regime from the 1950s onward gradually forced industries out of Johannesburg’s centre in search of labour. International sanctions led to the exodus of global companies and their staff in the mid-1980s. | This is unfair, says Gerald Garner, a local historian and guide. Racist measures adopted by the apartheid regime from the 1950s onward gradually forced industries out of Johannesburg’s centre in search of labour. International sanctions led to the exodus of global companies and their staff in the mid-1980s. |
| The cumulative effect was devastating, Garner says. Apartment blocks and homes emptied, the doors of high-rise offices were locked, luxury hotels closed. Basic utilities were disconnected. When racist laws restricting movement were reluctantly eased by the beleaguered apartheid regime, tens of thousands of poor migrants rushed to the city. Others came, and still come, from elsewhere in Africa. About 1,000 vacant buildings became vast squats, often run by violent gangs. The centre became an internationally infamous no-go zone. | The cumulative effect was devastating, Garner says. Apartment blocks and homes emptied, the doors of high-rise offices were locked, luxury hotels closed. Basic utilities were disconnected. When racist laws restricting movement were reluctantly eased by the beleaguered apartheid regime, tens of thousands of poor migrants rushed to the city. Others came, and still come, from elsewhere in Africa. About 1,000 vacant buildings became vast squats, often run by violent gangs. The centre became an internationally infamous no-go zone. |
| Fitful regeneration efforts began around 15 years ago with major public projects funded by the ANC-run town hall, central government and overseas aid. Momentum gathered as South Africa prepared to host the 2010 World Cup, and private developers began buying up the “hijacked” buildings, evicting squatters and constructing apartments. | Fitful regeneration efforts began around 15 years ago with major public projects funded by the ANC-run town hall, central government and overseas aid. Momentum gathered as South Africa prepared to host the 2010 World Cup, and private developers began buying up the “hijacked” buildings, evicting squatters and constructing apartments. |
| Sometimes this occurred peacefully, but the process of emptying occupied buildings often involved significant violence. This was directed both at South African citizens, some of them long-term residents, and the large numbers of migrants who continued to flow in from poorer, less stable neighbouring countries and beyond. | Sometimes this occurred peacefully, but the process of emptying occupied buildings often involved significant violence. This was directed both at South African citizens, some of them long-term residents, and the large numbers of migrants who continued to flow in from poorer, less stable neighbouring countries and beyond. |
| Now only about 100 illegally occupied buildings remain, providing accommodation for about 60,000 people. | Now only about 100 illegally occupied buildings remain, providing accommodation for about 60,000 people. |
| The residents of 54 Soper Road, in the tough neighbourhood of Beria, are among them. Beria has proved resistant to regeneration. There are many illegally occupied buildings and few of the signs of economic growth seen elsewhere. Pawnshops, nail parlours and liquor stores line dirty streets. Violent crime and prostitution is rife. | The residents of 54 Soper Road, in the tough neighbourhood of Beria, are among them. Beria has proved resistant to regeneration. There are many illegally occupied buildings and few of the signs of economic growth seen elsewhere. Pawnshops, nail parlours and liquor stores line dirty streets. Violent crime and prostitution is rife. |
| “The washing gets stolen before it dries,” says Majozi Thembezile, 57. | “The washing gets stolen before it dries,” says Majozi Thembezile, 57. |
| For the last three years the residents have faced eviction but, despite the appalling conditions, they do not want to leave. “We have very little hope from our side,” says Thembezile, who like many residents at 54 Soper Road came to Johannesburg from a distant rural village 20 years ago. | For the last three years the residents have faced eviction but, despite the appalling conditions, they do not want to leave. “We have very little hope from our side,” says Thembezile, who like many residents at 54 Soper Road came to Johannesburg from a distant rural village 20 years ago. |
| A last-ditch legal battle may delay the eviction, but is unlikely to halt it. | A last-ditch legal battle may delay the eviction, but is unlikely to halt it. |
| The fate of Thembezile’s home raises important questions about the future regeneration of Johannesburg, and has wider implications across South Africa and beyond. One is how to find alternative accommodation for thousands of very poor people living in neighbourhoods that are now being gentrified. | The fate of Thembezile’s home raises important questions about the future regeneration of Johannesburg, and has wider implications across South Africa and beyond. One is how to find alternative accommodation for thousands of very poor people living in neighbourhoods that are now being gentrified. |
| Current provision is grossly inadequate. Since a landmark court ruling in 2011, the local council is obliged by law to house anyone evicted to make for either private or public developments. Campaigners and experts, however, say authorities have provided only a handful of squalid and overcrowded blocks where families are forcibly split up. They meet only a fraction of the demand. | Current provision is grossly inadequate. Since a landmark court ruling in 2011, the local council is obliged by law to house anyone evicted to make for either private or public developments. Campaigners and experts, however, say authorities have provided only a handful of squalid and overcrowded blocks where families are forcibly split up. They meet only a fraction of the demand. |
| As a result, the development of the centre is forcing the very poor living there, who are predominantly black, to the distant edges of Johannesburg where rents are cheaper. Many end up in the crowded townships the apartheid regime originally established to house black workers away from neighbourhoods designated for whites, which occupy the prime locations. | As a result, the development of the centre is forcing the very poor living there, who are predominantly black, to the distant edges of Johannesburg where rents are cheaper. Many end up in the crowded townships the apartheid regime originally established to house black workers away from neighbourhoods designated for whites, which occupy the prime locations. |
| Some say the new exodus recalls that darker, earlier period: “We are replicating the apartheid city. Obviously there is no racial segregation any more … but we are entrenching historical inequality,” says Wilson. | Some say the new exodus recalls that darker, earlier period: “We are replicating the apartheid city. Obviously there is no racial segregation any more … but we are entrenching historical inequality,” says Wilson. |
| Eviction would mean ruin for the residents of 54 Soper Road. The city council has said there is no money to rehouse them locally, and most make a living within walking distance of their home as security guards, day labourers or recyclers. Commuting from rented accommodation further out, even if they could find something affordable, would be prohibitively expensive. | Eviction would mean ruin for the residents of 54 Soper Road. The city council has said there is no money to rehouse them locally, and most make a living within walking distance of their home as security guards, day labourers or recyclers. Commuting from rented accommodation further out, even if they could find something affordable, would be prohibitively expensive. |
| ‘An incredible cycle of boom and bust’ | ‘An incredible cycle of boom and bust’ |
| Much depends on the city’s new mayor, Herman Mashaba, a self-made tycoon from the centre-right Democratic Alliance who makes no secret of his belief in the power of the private sector. | Much depends on the city’s new mayor, Herman Mashaba, a self-made tycoon from the centre-right Democratic Alliance who makes no secret of his belief in the power of the private sector. |
| Mashaba took office just weeks ago, ending decades of ANC rule. In an interview with the Guardian, he said living conditions at places such as 54 Soper Road amounted to human rights abuses and that the city had “a responsibility to help the destitute”. | Mashaba took office just weeks ago, ending decades of ANC rule. In an interview with the Guardian, he said living conditions at places such as 54 Soper Road amounted to human rights abuses and that the city had “a responsibility to help the destitute”. |
| It is unclear, however, whether local authorities can find the funds, administrative capacity and most importantly the political will to adequately relocate those rendered homeless by development. | It is unclear, however, whether local authorities can find the funds, administrative capacity and most importantly the political will to adequately relocate those rendered homeless by development. |
| Mashaba certainly has an uncompromising message for those who are trying to halt the evictions, and a welcoming one for investors. | Mashaba certainly has an uncompromising message for those who are trying to halt the evictions, and a welcoming one for investors. |
| “In the first place, someone has taken someone’s property,” he said. “If you want to make money come to Jo’burg. We want to work with you. We are starting with local investors, but at the end of the day we need international investors.” | “In the first place, someone has taken someone’s property,” he said. “If you want to make money come to Jo’burg. We want to work with you. We are starting with local investors, but at the end of the day we need international investors.” |
| One of the newest developments in the city centre is Joziburg Lane, a small alley beside a 60-year-old former department store that is being rapidly converted into 320 “loft-style apartments” to be let to young professionals. Local authorities impose very few conditions, such as the provision of social housing, on new projects. | One of the newest developments in the city centre is Joziburg Lane, a small alley beside a 60-year-old former department store that is being rapidly converted into 320 “loft-style apartments” to be let to young professionals. Local authorities impose very few conditions, such as the provision of social housing, on new projects. |
| “It’s very much the free market, which I suppose is a good thing,” says Geoff Jardine, the 34-year-old developer of the complex. | “It’s very much the free market, which I suppose is a good thing,” says Geoff Jardine, the 34-year-old developer of the complex. |
| At 10am on a weekday morning on Joziburg Lane, coffee beans are roasted, pomegranate juice poured, craft cheeses sliced and hipster fashions hung on rails by bearded men in checked shirts and Bermuda shorts. An events space will host concerts and exhibitions, a “Bangkok-style” market is being built and a bar is already open. | At 10am on a weekday morning on Joziburg Lane, coffee beans are roasted, pomegranate juice poured, craft cheeses sliced and hipster fashions hung on rails by bearded men in checked shirts and Bermuda shorts. An events space will host concerts and exhibitions, a “Bangkok-style” market is being built and a bar is already open. |
| “What’s exciting is that a very high proportion of property in town is owned by guys in their 30s, which is unique to Jo’burg. There’s opportunity here and real energy. I’m looking forward to seeing what that does in 20 years time,” Jardine says. | “What’s exciting is that a very high proportion of property in town is owned by guys in their 30s, which is unique to Jo’burg. There’s opportunity here and real energy. I’m looking forward to seeing what that does in 20 years time,” Jardine says. |
| Garner, the guide, tells his tourist clients that the centre of Johannesburg has been almost entirely rebuilt six times in the city’s 130-year history in an “incredible cycle of boom and bust”. This, at least, is a message which resonates with some in 54 Soper Road. | Garner, the guide, tells his tourist clients that the centre of Johannesburg has been almost entirely rebuilt six times in the city’s 130-year history in an “incredible cycle of boom and bust”. This, at least, is a message which resonates with some in 54 Soper Road. |
| “Here at home I can’t sleep properly. I can’t study. There’s too much noise. We are just struggling every day,” says Mzwakhe Mkhize, a 22 year old engineering student who lives with his mother in a tiny, windowless smoke-stained room. “But I look at the Mercedes and the Porsches and the BMWs driving through the city, and think that, one day, I will drive one of those cars.” | “Here at home I can’t sleep properly. I can’t study. There’s too much noise. We are just struggling every day,” says Mzwakhe Mkhize, a 22 year old engineering student who lives with his mother in a tiny, windowless smoke-stained room. “But I look at the Mercedes and the Porsches and the BMWs driving through the city, and think that, one day, I will drive one of those cars.” |