Hotel Grande Beira 1980

Hotel Grande Beira 2005

The photos above give you an idea of how degenerate South Africa has become in some areas. And they will visually give you an idea for the story below of how tragic life has become in a city which was once a beautiful place to live.

(Dispatch, ):-

Eviction raids on two buildings in Hillbrow yesterday were merely punishing the poorest of the poor and not addressing their constitutional right to housing, says Stuart Wilson, a member of the Witwatersrand University Law School. Residents at the buildings, where up to 25 people were squatting in one room, tossed possessions out of windows as the “Red Ants” moved in. “Red Ants”, nicknamed for their red overalls, are contracted to assist the sheriff of the court with evictions. “There are about 300 people being thrown out onto the streets with their goods,” Wilson said. “This is unacceptable. State action should not have the effect of pushing them into deeper poverty, less secure tenure and even less healthy living conditions.” Inspector Kriban Naidoo said 90 illegal immigrants and six wanted criminals were arrested in the raid. Social workers removed 68 children who were found without parents. The police say gangs are making about R345 000 a month from collecting rents in Hillbrow. Two building managers were assassinated in July by alleged “building hijackers”.  

South African Migration Project (SAMP) - Queen's University - http://www.queensu.ca/samp

The hidden Hillbrow 2005

Hillbrow, a notorious quarter in Johannesburg, South Africa has a reputation for crime, drugs and prostitution. This documentation of street life in Hillbrow not only shows the harsh realities of everyday life, but also the hope and optimism of the people living and working between the guns and knives. *outside the Hillbrow police station/South Africa * photo by Otmar Dresel http://picturenet.co.za/photographers/od/hilbrow/01.html