​​The City of Johannesburg, in partnership with the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), visited Zandspruit to provide urgent relief and strengthen community services. The visit came in response to shack fires that left 15 households badly affected, underscoring the vulnerability of informal settlements where fire incidents remain a persistent challenge.​

Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration Pinky Kekana and Executive Mayor Cllr Dada Morero handed out blankets and other essentials to affected families.

For 77-year-old Eunice Motloung, the support offered a measure of comfort amid loss. “While the devastation of losing my home and belongings is overwhelming, I find solace in the community's support and the services rendered by the government to help us rebuild."

The visit also marked a milestone in healthcare delivery. For over 15 years, the Zandspruit local clinic operated without electricity, forcing patients to be turned away. Through a collaboration between government and the private sector, solar panels were installed, ensuring uninterrupted medical services.

Mayor Morero emphasised the importance of partnerships across spheres of government: “When people think of government, they don't differentiate between municipality, province or national. All people want are services and a functioning community. These partnerships enable us to better assist our residents and provide dignity to our people."

The Department of Human Settlements also assisted residents to check their housing application statuses, while City departments tackled waste management, illegal electricity and water connections, and brought services closer to residents through Home Affairs, SASSA, SAPS, and Gauteng Crime Prevention.

“I have adopted Zandspruit. We are making a commitment to fix this area and restore dignity to our people. Government alone can only do so much, we need the community to play its part. Together we can reclaim our neighbourhoods, clean them up, and be on the lookout for each other," said Deputy Minister Kekana.

Written by S'duduzo Dludla
11/09/2026

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