ANAPIX: The Florence Nightingale use to be a spectacular hospital in its glory days but has been reduced to a product of building hijack as is the norm in the heart of Hillbrow
The Florence Nightingale use to be a spectacular hospital in its glory days but has been reduced to a product of building hijack as is the norm in the heart of Hillbrow JHB. Four hundred families now live in this multi-story building that is situated near the Constitutional Hill precinct. Its light blue colour makes it stand out as a saw thumb for those who makes the highest decisions in the land. On the 26th of March 2021 a group of concerned citizens set off give this building an upgrade as it poses safety and health risks to the inhabitants. Following several days of clean up campaigns in and around the building the residents finally bought in and a total of almost 400 tons of garbage that was dumped out of windows to the ground below was removed. Rasta who has been living here for the past 12 years remembers one of the residents who died here for his efforts as he explains his excitement that his family will be able to move back into the Florence. A small crèche operates inside the building and children makes the corridors their playgroup. The upgrade will make a huge difference for many who live here and has been much needed. This is only the beginning and even though the change is visible , more is still to come.
The Florence Nightingale use to be a spectacular hospital in its glory days but has been reduced to a product of building hijack as is the norm in the heart of Hillbrow JHB. Four hundred families now live in this multi-story building that is situated near the Constitutional Hill precinct. Its light blue colour makes it stand out as a saw thumb for those who makes the highest decisions in the land. On the 26th of March 2021 a group of concerned citizens set off give this building an upgrade as it poses safety and health risks to the inhabitants. Following several days of clean up campaigns in and around the building the residents finally bought in and a total of almost 400 tons of garbage that was dumped out of windows to the ground below was removed. Rasta who has been living here for the past 12 years remembers one of the residents who died here for his efforts as he explains his excitement that his family will be able to move back into the Florence. A small crèche operates inside the building and children makes the corridors their playgroup. The upgrade will make a huge difference for many who live here and has been much needed. This is only the beginning and even though the change is visible , more is still to come.
1/9: South Africa – Johannesburg – 04 May 2021 – A mural of Sadala, one of the residences who fought to improve the building was killed by a mob who mistook his efforts. Picture: Timothy Bernard/African News Agency(ANA)
2/9: South Africa – Johannesburg – 04 May 2021 – Across the street from the Florence is an office of the department of human settlements. They have never visited the building thus missing out on opportunities to make a difference for its inhabitants. Picture: Timothy Bernard/African News Agency(ANA)
3/9: South Africa – Johannesburg – 04 May 2021 – Rasta who is from Limpopo has been living in the Florence for the past 12 years. His wife and two children are back home as the living conditions here are bad. He is happy for the change as this means his family can be together again. Picture: Timothy Bernard/African News Agency(ANA)
4/9: South Africa – Johannesburg – 04 May 2021 – Families who live here has to make the best of what they for their children. Some who play in the corridors during the day as the streets are too dangerous. Picture: Timothy Bernard/African News Agency(ANA)
5/9: South Africa – Johannesburg – 04 May 2021 – The Florence Nightingale use to be a hospital in its glory days. Four hundred families now live here in the building that lays in the heart of the Hillbrow CBD across the Women’s prison at Constitutional Hill.. Picture: Timothy Bernard/African News Agency(ANA)
6/9: South Africa – Johannesburg – 04 May 2021 – A Bobcat machine has been working for several days removing 40 truckloads of garbage a day to clear this site.. Picture: Timothy Bernard/African News Agency(ANA)
7/9: South Africa – Johannesburg – 04 May 2021 – A staircase that is one of two access to the top floor was covered to more than two meters. It has now been cleared and is about to be used again.. Picture: Timothy Bernard/African News Agency(ANA)
8/9: South Africa – Johannesburg – 04 May 2021 – Residents of the Florence took on this big task themselves in hope for a better living space. .Picture: Timothy Bernard/African News Agency(ANA)
9/9: South Africa – Johannesburg – 04 May 2021 – Families who live here has to make the best of what they for their children. Some who play in the corridors during the day as the streets are too dangerous. Picture: Timothy Bernard/African News Agency(ANA)
