The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) welcomes the outcome of the report into the George building collapse as released by Minister of Human Settlement, Thembi Simelane, this week.
May 6, 2024, marked a bleak day in the history of the South African construction industry, when a multi-story building on Victoria lane in George collapsed while under construction, leaving 34 people dead and 28 injured. More than 60 workers were on site at the time of the collapse.
Minister Simelane released the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC)’s report and revealed systemic failures across several levels of oversight including the following, the building had not been properly registered before construction commenced; construction got underway before approvals were finalised; and individuals who occupied critical roles did not have crucial qualifications such as engineering or quantity surveying. Health and safety requirements as stipulated by the National Building Regulation were also flouted. The company also failed to disclose its intention to build a multi-story building but was allowed to proceed regardless.
Minister Simelane said the responsible officials would face criminal charges for their actions including dereliction of duty, misconduct, negligence, dishonesty and misrepresenting inspection reports.
COSATU commends Simelane for releasing the report publicly and taking the nation into confidence. The Federation also welcomes the Minister’s assurances that as per the provisions of the new Housing Consumer Protection Act, passed by President Cyril Ramaphosa in January, individuals flouting regulations would face more stringent sanctions and penalties.
The Federation will not stand-by while workers pay with their lives because officials entrusted with ensuring compliance, could not be bothered or simply do not care to do their work. COSATU urges workers to safeguard their lives by blowing the whistle on employers who insist on cutting corners and by so doing put workers’ lives at risk.
Issued by COSATU
Zanele Sabela (COSATU National Spokesperson)
Mobile: 079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639
Email: zaneles@cosatu.org.za