Germiston Home Affairs Building Engulfed in Flames, Protest Action Also Underway in the Vicinity
- A massive fire has broken out at the Department of Home Affairs building in Germiston, Gauteng, on 12 August
- The City of Ekurhuleni Disaster Emergency Management Services can't confirm what caused the fire as yet
- The fire is allegedly a result of protest action in the area, as tyres have been set alight in the vicinity
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – Firefighters and emergency services are on scene at the Department of Home Affairs in Germiston as the double-storey building is engulfed in flames.
At this point, on 12 August 2025, officials cannot confirm what caused the fire, but it’s believed to be a result of protest action in the area. Streets and buildings around the premises have been closed as firefighters attempt to put out the fire.
Read also
Gwede Mantashe calls for prioritisation of South Africans in 3 sectors in a resurfaced clip
How bad is the damage?
According to City of Ekurhuleni Disaster Emergency Management Services Media Liaison Officer, William Tladi, the top section of the building is mostly affected. He added that the extent of the damage to the lower section can not be determined as yet, as firefighters are still battling to enter the building.
PAY ATTENTION: stay informed and follow us on Google News!
“So far, no casualties reported, and the actual cause of the fire is still undetermined,” he said.
Tladi also explained that President and Jack streets have been closed off, while buildings near the area have also been closed for safety.”
Protestors accused of setting the building alight
While Tladi stated that the cause is yet to be determined, unconfirmed reports claim that the building was set alight by angry protestors. A section of residents is reportedly demanding to occupy Pharoe Park Flats, without having to pay rent.
The residents were unhappy with a series of court-ordered evictions at low-cost rental flats in Pharoe Park. The rental flat is owned by the city’s housing company, the Ekurhuleni Housing Company (EHC).
Police and traffic officers were on scene attempting to manage the ongoing tension as firefighters battled the blaze.
City won't back down from evicting tenants
Speaking about the protests that erupted in the central business district, City of Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza said the city would not back down from evicting tenants who illegally occupy flats.
He explained that tenants failed to pay rent, prompting legal action and removals enforced by the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD).
“They wrongly occupy the housing and ultimately start doing wrong things. There’s a combination of factors: lawlessness, no tough stance, and non-compliance. Eventually, the entire building gets into the wrong hands,” he said.
He added that they would not allow lawlessness to reign supreme, as some believed that they could get what they wanted through intimidation and burning properties.
Two people killed in violent protests
Briefly News reported that a violent protest broke out in Diepkloof in Soweto, Johannesburg.
Two members of the community died during the protest over the quality of service delivery in the area.
Residents demanded that service delivery be improved, or the protests would continue and be intensified.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
