Plenary Session: South African Inner-City Occupations: Sites of Struggle and Possibility

One year after the horrific Usindiso fire in central Johannesburg, resulting in the death of over 70 people, another fire in Jeppestown has caused even more tragedy. While these and other incidences have placed South African inner-city occupations in the public spotlight, political and media discussions remain dominated by narratives of criminalization and scapegoating, with little progress in finding solutions. The aim of this panel is to facilitate a more expansive conversation, bringing together scholars, practitioners and activists to reflect on the structural drivers of inner-city occupations, and their variegated manifestations within and across South African cities. In recognizing the struggles and risks associated with inhabiting occupied buildings, we will invite panelists to deliberate on what is required to support more dignified dwelling, moving from occupation to inhabitation.