Deadly Fire Exposes Freedom’s Failed Promise in South Africa’s ‘City of Gold’

JOHANNESBURG—Crouching on a fifth-story ledge, Yandisa Mnqandi pulled his son to his chest and eyed the flames that were devouring 80 Albert Street and the warren of dwellings inside. “If I die, maybe my baby will survive if I take the blow,” he thought, before jumping into the darkness.