The chapter explores a devastating fire that occurred in South Africa, causing destruction to a building and the loss of numerous lives. The speaker reflects on the incident, emphasizing the presence of onlookers and affected residents, while contemplating the history of disasters in Johannesburg.
This episode contains descriptions of severe injuries.
Last week, a devastating fire swept through a derelict building in Johannesburg that housed desperate families who had no place else to go. The authorities had been repeatedly warned that it was a potential firetrap. Nothing was done, and at least 76 people died.
Lynsey Chutel, who covers southern Africa for The Times, explains how Johannesburg, once a symbol of the hope of post-apartheid South Africa, became an emblem of just how bad the country’s breakdown has become.
Guest: Lynsey Chutel, a southern Africa correspondent for The New York Times.
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