The families of the deceased in yesterday's hijacked building fire in Johannesburg can of this morning go and identify their loves at Diepkloof mortuary, but there a couple of people that were burnt beyond recognition. Yesterday, President Cyril Ramaphosa had to cut his trip in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape short, where he was opening a forensic lab, to visit the fire engulfed building in Marshalltown.

Ramaphosa's visit came after 74 people were confirmed dead in a fire that left more than 500 people homeless. There are over 63 survivors who were rushed to nearby health facilities including Chris Hani Baragwanath and Hillbrow Hospital for treatment yesterday. As predicted by many, the President has called for an intensive investigation into the matter. Speaking to the media, Ramaphosa said that this tragedy was a wake up call for the government to deliver on its promise of "better houses" for all. "This is a great tragedy felt by families whose loved ones perished in this awful manner. Our hearts go out to every person affected by this event. "This incident calls on all of us, from the emergency services and other entities of government to community-based organisations, to reach out to survivors to help restore people's physical and psychological wellbeing and offer all material help residents may need."

Ramaphosa, who was accompanied by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, said that the government will establish a probe into the matter. "We've got to get to the bottom of what caused this fire. It's a wake-up call for us to begin to address the situation of housing in the inner city.Those who have lost their homes or accommodation are going to be catered for," said Ramaphos. He was meant to have a family meeting on the outcomes of the BRICS Summit and the panel investigation into the docking of the Lady R at Simon's Town Vaval Base. The summit was held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg last week and was attended by Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, China's Xi Jinping and India's Narendra Modi. Russian President Vladimir Putin attended virtually.