Public Works Minister: George building collapse could have been prevented
Image: Ayanda Ndamane
Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson believes that the 2024 George building collapse that claimed 34 lives could have been prevented.
The findings of a probe into the collapse showed that there were systemic failures, failures of planning, oversight, enforcement, and culture.
"At every problem, there was a chance to turn back, but because of weak regulatory environment, there was either no incentive or requirement to do so. And this is what makes me so angry when I view this tragedy from today's perspective, it was entirely preventable. However, we cannot undo what has happened," Macpherson said.
He said the full Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) investigation report has been completed and it will be published in the Government Gazette in due course. Meanwhile, an appeal window to these findings is currently underway, which expires on August 3, 2025.
"This report must form part of the police investigation as we must establish criminal negligence for what happened. If criminal wrongdoing is established, those responsible must be prosecuted without delay. We must ensure that people are held accountable for 34 souls losing their lives. No contractor, engineer, or official should be beyond the reach of the law," Macpherson said.
The Council for the Built Environment (CBE) will establish a reporting protocol that mandates the registration of any structural system failure.
"A hotline will be launched to allow workers, built environment practitioners and professionals, or members of the public to anonymously raise safety concerns. These reports will trigger automatic inspections and, where necessary, emergency site shutdowns," the minister said.
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#georgebuildingcollapse Media Briefing || Following a meeting with the families of those affected by the George building collapse,Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure,@DeanMacpherson , convened a media briefing to present the findings of the official investigative report… pic.twitter.com/MT6sbzfImx — Department Of Public Works and Infrastructure (@DepartmentPWI) July 19, 2025
Phase-based reform implementation Phase One from 2025 to 2026: Immediate interventions, including new regulations, mandatory standards and emergency protocols.
Phase Two from 2026 to 2028: Implementation of long-term reform, including legislative amendments and competency-based registration systems.
Phase Three from 2028 onwards: Institutional consolidation and relocation of custodianship of building regulations functions and standards to the Department of Public Works & Infrastructure.
"We are exploring options with the Department of Social Development and NGOs to provide relief or support to the families most affected, including those who have lost primary breadwinners," Macpherson said.
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The ECSA said its disciplinary ruling, investigation report and supporting evidence had been referred to the South African Police Service for further investigation and action. Key takeaways from CBE report The CBE investigation, conducted by a multidisciplinary team of technical experts, encountered anecdotal evidence suggesting that the failure of the first floor and basement area of the George building initially occurred due to the failure of the reinforced concrete at these levels. The findings of the CBE investigating team included: Unusual building movements and vibrations on the roof slab, observed by a contractor two days before the collapse; Cracks that were noted around the base of a column on the ground floor, resembling 'punch-through patterns', and concerns that were raised about the narrow supporting columns and the large spaces between them; Poor workmanship and quality on site, with a subcontractor reporting that he had observed discrepancies in the concrete supplied for the basement and first-floor slabs – the specifications called for 19-megapascal or 25-megapascal concrete, and the material supplied was 13 megapascals; The resignation of the health and safety agent during construction, with the agent stating that it was 'impossible to safeguard the interests of both the client and contractors amid continuous safety violations'; An inadequate geotechnical investigation, falling 'far short of minimum requirements of South African national standards' and leading to groundwater being discovered in the basement; and A lack of competence on site, with the 'approved competent person' for the structural system lacking the necessary expertise for designing complex structures. The CBE investigation found that South Africa's building regulatory frameworks were outdated, as the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act and National Building Regulations were last amended during 1996 and 2011, respectively. 'The regulatory bodies and statutory authorities charged with administering construction work in silos, with inadequate information sharing and coordination, hindering effective oversight and enforcement,' added the CBE. The investigating team recommended 16 regulations that would act as measures to strengthen gaps and shortcomings in the building regulatory environment. The implementation of these recommendations requires legislative reform. Macpherson said: 'At every problem [during the construction of the George building], there was a chance to turn back, but because of the weak regulatory environment, there was either no incentive or requirement to do so. This is what makes me so angry when I view this tragedy from today's perspective – it was entirely preventable. 'However, we cannot undo what has happened. But we can, and must, respond with action.' Macpherson announced a 'phase-based reform implementation' process that would include: Immediate interventions, including new regulations, mandatory standards and emergency protocols, between 2025 and 2026; Implementing long-term reform, including legislative amendments and competency-based registration systems, between 2026 and 2028; and Institutional consolidation and relocation of custodianship of building regulations functions and standards to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure from 2028 onwards. 'We will introduce a revised Council for the Built Environment Bill in Parliament. This Bill will give the CBE stronger investigative powers, consolidate regulatory functions, and establish it as a single, more effective regulator for the built environment,' said Macpherson. He also called for a legislative review of the National Building Regulations that would ensure their alignment with new technologies, climate resilience standards and 21st-century construction practices. 'In partnership with the Department of Labour and Employment, we will propose amendments to the Construction Regulations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, to strengthen enforcement and accountability of all duty holders,' said Macpherson. The CBE would establish a reporting protocol that mandates the registration of any structural system failure, as well as a hotline to allow workers, built environment practitioners and professionals, or members of the public to anonymously raise safety concerns, he continued. 'We will introduce a national credentialing scheme for built environment professionals that will distinguish the specialised skillset from the generalist, who are already professionally registered,' he said. 'Deeply emotional' Macpherson's briefing on Saturday followed a closed-door engagement with the families of victims of the collapse, which he described as 'deeply emotional'. Elelwani Mawela, a worker from Limpopo who suffered serious injuries during the collapse, said that life had been very hard in the aftermath of the tragedy, as she had no money or support to manage her condition. 'I lost my teeth. I can't eat properly. It's very hard… How can I get money to buy milk, softer food?' she said. 'I've come here today because I want to meet the minister. Thank you very much for your support for all of us. 'I miss my friend. I lost a lot of people. It's very painful. Lots of people at home are starting to bully me because I don't have teeth. Please help us. I will fight until I get justice… I'm still young. I can't eat, I can't smile, I can't talk. Because I'm scared that people are going to bully me with my teeth.' Macpherson acknowledged that the families continued to endure great suffering. 'I would ask and plead that those who so generously reached out after the collapse do so once again until government's internal processes have been finalised. Families are battling to put food on the table. They are battling to deal with the psychological trauma. They are battling with medical bills,' he said. DM Those wishing to help in supporting victims and families affected by the George building collapse can send donations to the Love Garden Route NPC: Standard Bank
