HOMii Lifestyle
Durban – A heartbreaking accident at a HOMii Lifestyle residential block in central Durban has left a family shattered and sparked widespread calls for accountability.
Eight-year-old Aphelele Dlamini tragically died after falling down a lift shaft from the fourth floor to the basement, while his twin sister Aphile survived but remains in intensive care with serious injuries.
The incident, which occurred about a week ago, has drawn sharp criticism towards the social housing company, with protesters demanding the release of CCTV footage and threatening a city shutdown.
In response, HOMii has expressed deep sympathy, handed over video evidence to the police, and launched an internal probe to uncover the facts.
The Dlamini family’s ordeal has highlighted ongoing safety concerns in affordable housing, prompting political parties like ActionSA to push for a formal investigation into building standards. As the nation mourns the loss of young Aphelele, described by loved ones as a treasured son, brother, and friend, questions swirl about whether this tragedy could have been prevented – especially amid reports of similar past incidents at the same property.
The Tragic Fall: What Happened to the Dlamini Twins
The accident unfolded at the HOMii Lifestyle building in Durban’s bustling city centre, a place meant to provide safe, affordable homes for families. According to details from the family and witnesses, the twins – Aphelele and Aphile – somehow accessed an unsecured lift shaft on the fourth floor. They plunged down to the basement level, a drop that proved fatal for Aphelele. His sister Aphile, fighting for her life in ICU, suffered severe injuries but has shown signs of resilience amid the ordeal.
Father Khaya Dlamini shared his anguish in a moving social media post: “My twins fell into a lift shaft from the fourth floor. My son died. My daughter survived and is in ICU fighting for her life.” He added an emotional tribute, saying, “I died twice. Happy birthday, Aphelele and Aphile. I will always love you,” hinting that the incident may have occurred near the children’s birthday. The family, including mother Mrs Dlamini, has been overwhelmed by grief, with Khaya vowing to seek justice and claiming negligence on the part of the building management. He accused them of lacking warning signs or proper safety measures around the lift.
This was no isolated mishap; reports indicate that the same building has seen at least one prior similar accident. Earlier this year, another child reportedly fell down the lift shaft, raising alarms about recurring safety lapses. Community members and safety experts have pointed to possible issues like faulty doors, inadequate barriers, or maintenance delays that could have contributed to these dangers.
Family’s Grief Turns to Demands for Justice
In the wake of the tragedy, the Dlamini family has not stayed silent. Khaya Dlamini has publicly demanded full transparency, including access to CCTV footage that could explain how the children ended up in the shaft. He expressed frustration over an initial gesture from a HOMii representative, described as “Mr Naidoo,” who offered a grocery bag and a teddy bear – an act Khaya found insulting amid his profound loss. “It felt like they were trying to brush us off,” he said in statements shared widely online.
The family is now pursuing legal action against HOMii Lifestyle, aiming to hold the company accountable for what they see as preventable negligence. Their lawyer has reached out urgently, and HOMii confirmed in their press release that they have already engaged with the Dlaminis for a meeting. Amid the pain, Khaya has also faced death threats as he pushes for answers, adding to the family’s distress. Aphelele’s funeral, held recently, was a sombre affair attended by community members who remembered him as a bright, playful child full of life.
Aphile’s condition remains critical but stable, with doctors working around the clock. The family has called on fellow citizens for support, emphasising that no parent should endure such a nightmare in what should be a secure home.
Public Outrage Sparks Protests and Threats of Shutdown
The incident has ignited fury across Durban, with hundreds of residents gathering outside the HOMii building to show solidarity with the Dlaminis. Protesters, including concerned parents and local activists, chanted for justice and gave the company a 24-hour ultimatum to release the CCTV footage. Failure to comply, they warned, could lead to a broader shutdown of city activities, disrupting traffic and drawing more attention to housing safety issues.
Social media has amplified the outcry, with hashtags like #JusticeForDlaminiTwins trending as users share stories of similar building hazards. One demonstrator at the scene said, “This is not just about one family; it’s about all our children living in these blocks. How many more accidents before something changes?” The protests have gridlocked parts of the Durban CBD, forcing authorities to step in and manage the crowds.
Political figures have joined the fray. ActionSA announced plans to table a motion in relevant councils demanding a thorough probe into HOMii’s safety protocols. They argue that affordable housing should not come at the cost of lives, calling for inspections across all HOMii properties in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, and Durban.
Previous Safety Concerns at HOMii Buildings
This tragedy is not the first red flag for HOMii Lifestyle. Reports reveal that the Durban block has a history of lift-related problems, including a previous fall involving another child who plunged four floors. That earlier incident, which also ended in injury, prompted complaints from tenants about unreliable lifts and poor maintenance. Some residents claim that doors sometimes fail to close properly, creating hidden dangers especially for young children.
HOMii, a national provider of social housing, promotes itself as a modern solution with advanced keyless technology and flexible, no-frills leases. However, critics say these innovations have not always translated to basic safety. Tenants in other cities have raised similar issues, from electrical faults to structural concerns, fueling a broader debate on whether cost-cutting measures compromise resident well-being.
HOMii’s Response: Sympathy, Investigation, and Cooperation
In their press release dated 28 October 2025, HOMii Lifestyle expressed profound condolences to the Dlamini family and all affected. “The management of HOMii Lifestyle wishes to express our deepest sympathy to Mr Khaya Dlamini and Mrs Dlamini, our tenants and other compatriots who have been deeply triggered and affected by the accident that took place at one of our residential blocks in Durban central,” the statement read.
The company acknowledged a memorandum of demands from protesters who demonstrated in support of the family. They understand the “anger, frustration, and the genuine concern this has brought to all citizens.” HOMii has begun an internal investigation to “get to the bottom of this tragedy” and confirmed handing over “video footage” to the police due to the sensitive nature involving children.
Their legal team has reached out to the Dlaminis for an urgent meeting, and the company pledged full cooperation with all processes. “As HOMii Management and executives we shall cooperate and comply to all due processes in this matter,” they stated.
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