President Cyril Ramaphosa mourns significant loss of life in Marshalltown fire tragedy

31 August 2023

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the significant loss of life inflicted by a fire in a residential building in Marshalltown, Johannesburg, in the early hours of today, Thursday, 31 August 2023.

By 08h30 today, the reported death toll stood at 73, while scores more are injured and receiving medical treatment.

President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes injured survivors a speedy and full recovery.

The President’s thoughts are also with households and individuals who have lost their accommodation and possessions in this incident.

The President said: “This is a great tragedy felt by families whose loved ones perished in this awful manner, and our hearts go out to every person affected by this event.

“This incident calls on all of us, from the emergency services and other entities of government to community-based organisations, to reach out to survivors to help restore people’s physical psychological wellbeing and offer all material help residents may need.”

President Ramaphosa hopes the investigations into the fire will enable communities and authorities to prevent a repeat of such a tragedy or to bring to book any culpable parties.

Issued by Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President, 31 August 2023