Latest news with #HumanSettlements
IOL News
4 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Collapsing buildings: lapses in safety and security in the construction sector
The Tongaat Mall Image: File ACCORDING to Jomo Sibiya, Deputy of Employment and Labour, the South African construction sector has one of the highest accident rates in the country, with 1.5 to two fatalities per week, and is classified as one of the top four high-risk industries in the country. Building collapses occur when a structure fails and partially or fully collapses, endangering human lives and health. This can result from various factors, including structural failures, poor construction practices, and external forces like fires or earthquakes. The effects of a building collapse can be devastating, leading to loss of life, injuries, property damage, and significant economic and social disruption. On May 6, 2024, the Neo Victoria project, a residential building under construction, collapsed in George, Western Cape, killing 34 workers and injuring 28. The George Building Collapse was a tragic disaster and one of the worse in the South African construction industry. President Ramaphosa extended his condolences: 'We know that many of you are in grief. There's no worse grief than people who have lost their loved ones… We are here to give comfort, and there will be a need for… psychosocial support. And when that is the case, we will have people who will give that support … There will be assistance for those who are in hospital to be well treated, there will be assistance for those who have to be buried. There will also be compensation that will have to go through the channels of our various institutions.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Most of the deceased were foreign undocumented labourers from Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe. To date, there is no record of their names. After all, in South Africa, undocumented migrant labourers are expendable. The Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane presented a report by the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) to the Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements on 4 April 2025: 'It's a report which indicates the failure of our systems at the NHBRC … There was a lapse of enrolment requirements which were overlooked by our internal staff at the council …There was a lapse …with regard to the structural engineering and drawings and the details which were not fully disclosed as they should have been… We also had missing detailed material information about the construction… The contractor cut corners. Our system enabled him to cut corners by not following our standard operating procedures and even approving without the fulfilment of all the necessary attachments that needed to be done.' There were also design flaws, poor quality concrete, and safety alerts were overlooked. Four construction workers lost their lives and one survived following the collapse of an embankment at a construction site in Zen Drive, Ballito, on 18 May 2024. On 29 March 2025, two workers employed by a construction firm were digging a trench on Canehaven Drive, Phoenix, when a retaining wall and sand and metal reinforcement fell on them. It was established that the deceased were Mozambican nationals. On November 19, 2013, a section of the second floor of the partly completed Tongaat Mall collapsed, killing two and injuring 29 construction workers. Construction of the Tongaat Mall had commenced without the building plans being approved. Gralio Precast, the company developing the mall, was a beneficiary of many tenders from the eThekwini Metro. A commission of inquiry was appointed by the Department of Labour and chaired by Inspector Phumudzo Maphaha to investigate this collapse. The investigation found that the collapse was due to substandard construction work and several contraventions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Construction Regulations which included the following: poor plan design; the contractor's failure to comply with regulations; contraventions of the Safety and Health regulation; missing steels and columns; lack of supervision on site; an important site diary was missing; lack of health and safety audits; and inappropriate building materials (cement imported from Pakistan did not meet South African Bureau of Standards requirements). These reasons can be attributed to a reckless, calculated strategy by the developer to save construction costs and compromise the safety of onsite workers. For example, a beam with insufficient steel bars may have led to the collapse. According to an engineer, the beam should have had 19 steel bars. Also, some of the concrete utilised was less than a third of the required strength. In May 2016, the then Minister of Labour Mildred Oliphant acknowledged that while there was clear evidence of impropriety, she was not in a position to give the names of people and companies implicated. Instead, she handed over the inquiry results to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in KwaZulu-Natal for further investigation and action. However, as reported by News 24, eight years on in May 2024, Natasha Ramkissoon-Kara, spokesperson for the NPA, said that 'Investigations are ongoing, and we are therefore not in a position yet to make any decision in respect of the matter.' However, it is a common cause that the NPA has a poor history of initiating prosecutions and achieving convictions in high-profile cases involving malfeasance. This delay by the NPA in investigating and prosecuting those implicated in deliberately compromising safety in the construction sector has national implications. An analysis conducted for the South African Institute of Occupational Health (SAIOSH) in May 2024 by Professor of Construction Management at Nelson Mandela University, John Smallwood, emphasised the ongoing safety issues and the need for extensive measures to enhance the industry's health and safety practices. According to Professor of Smallwood: 'There is no such thing as an accident … noting that what are traditionally termed accidents are often the result of management failures …Workers exposed to hazards and risks are people with a body, mind, and soul, who invariably have a partner, a family, and are derived from a community.' He emphasised that unforeseen accidents are often 'planned by default' through actions or inactions, highlighting the necessity for a change in the industry's safety approach. Lennie Samuel, a senior inspector and forensic investigator at the Department of Labour, similarly contended that the absence of oversight and management failures is the main reason for collapsing buildings. The causes of most of the incidents examined could be traced to senior management, who only fix the immediate causes or symptoms rather than the underlying issues. Regrettably, the outcomes frequently result in injuries, disabilities, deaths and collapses. A comprehensive strategy is essential to decrease accidents in the South African construction sector, including training, recognising hazards, appropriate tools and processes, and implementing robust site management practices and a robust safety culture. This involves complying with applicable regulations, fostering effective communication, and promoting employee safety, health and welfare. Professor Brij Maharaj Image: File Professor Brij Maharaj is a geography professor at UKZN. He writes in his personal capacity. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media. THE POST
IOL News
7 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Malusi Booi on why safety boss JP Smith and City manager ‘targeted' him
Former Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Malusi Booi. Image: File Picture: David Ritchie/African News Agency (ANA) Safety and Security mayco member JP Smith has defended himself against claims by his former human settlements colleague Malusi Booi's that he was central to a political witch-hunt, which led to his downfall including being arrested over charges that have been subsequently withdrawn. The Cape Times reported this week that Booi had implicated two senior City officials as being behind the raid to his offices last year, leading to his arrest over alleged tender collusion. The two officials he implicated are Smith and City manager Lungelo Mbandazayo. 'I know it's the two of them. I've got it on record.' He said Smith had made statements saying he was the one who gave police information while Mbandazayo made remarks in a CCMA case that 'he wanted to deal with me harshly'. Booi believed that his woes began when he did not support Mbandazayo's reappointment amid social delivery concerns. He said Smith and the municipal manager were friends, which he believed could have motivated alleged moves against him. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ JP Smith Image: File picture Smith told the Cape Times on Tuesday that he reported any wrongdoing to relevant authorities as he was 'ethically bound' to do. Mbandazayo did not respond to requests for comment. 'As stated previously, each time potential wrong doing within the City of Cape Town came to my attention, I reported the allegations to the relevant authorities for investigation as I am legally mandated and ethically bound to do. I am not privy to any details regarding the SAPS investigations into the allegations against Mr Booi. The public statement issued by the NPA makes it clear that the criminal charges against Mr Booi have only been provisionally withdrawn pending investigations into newly discovered evidence,' said Smith.
The Herald
27-05-2025
- General
- The Herald
‘Finish what we started': Simelane urges provinces to complete upgrades to informal settlements
Human settlements minister Thembi Simelane has urged all provinces to prioritise housing projects that have not been completed. Simelane made the remarks after six family members died when their shack caught fire in Marikana Informal settlement in Kwa-Thema, east of Johannesburg. She said the department has been inundated after several disasters over the past few weeks, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. 'The unfortunate incidents in our informal settlements are a clear sign that we should accelerate and invest in the upgrading of informal settlements and commit to finishing all the stalled projects around the country. This will enable qualifying beneficiaries to have access to decent shelter, prevent loss of life and improve the quality of household life', said Simelane. She said the department plans to upgrade just over 4,000 informal settlements during the course of the 2024-29 Medium Term Development Plan. Simelane underscored the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders in dealing with informal settlements around the country. This includes the government, the private sector, NGOs and communities. In response to the incident in Ekurhuleni, Simelane has tasked the Emergency Housing Unit, a team responsible for disasters within the department of human settlements, to work with the Gauteng department of human settlements and the City of Ekurhuleni to assist the affected household. TimesLIVE
The Citizen
20-05-2025
- The Citizen
Effingham informal settlement rocked by deadly late-night fire
One person died after a fire destroyed several homes at an informal settlement in Effingham, Durban North, on Sunday evening. Northglen News reports that Ayanda Ziqethu (29) from Port St Johns in the Eastern Cape, was burnt beyond recognition in the blaze at the Sim Place Informal Settlement. Initial estimates suggest that 21 dwellings were destroyed, leaving around 30 people displaced. According to eThekwini Municipality's Fire and Emergency Services, the fire broke out just after 23:00. Firefighters worked through the night to extinguish the blaze. A team from the municipality is providing assistance to displaced residents. KZN Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma offered his condolences to the victim and the families affected by the blaze. He added that he had also been in contact with Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane and eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba. 'Working in an integrated fashion, we offer to do everything possible to ensure that the people of Effingham Informal Settlement rebuild their lives. At this stage, we don't know what caused the fire. We will be getting a report from the eThekwini mayor,' he said. Ziqethu's remains were recovered yesterday and taken to the Phoenix Mortuary. The MEC expressed his appreciation to the SAPS K9 Unit who assisted in the operation. 'We wish to commend the SAPS K9 Unit, as assigned by the provincial [police] commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, for working with our team from Human Settlements and eThekwini Disaster Management Unit to remove, in a dignified way, the remains of the deceased. The next few days are going to be extremely difficult for Ziqethu's family members who are traveling from the Eastern Cape,' he said. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
15-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Over 150 NHBRC employees face lifestyle audits
Following a direction from the previous Human Settlements minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, to all departmental entities, the lifestyle audits began at the National Home Builders Registration Council in 2024, according to Human Settlements Department Director-General Alec Moemi, pictured. Image: Sisonke Mlamla / Cape Argus THE National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) has referred more than 150 employees for lifestyle audits. This decision comes on the heels of increased scrutiny regarding the council's operations, particularly following the catastrophic building collapse in George earlier this year. During a briefing to the Human Settlements Portfolio Committee, Department Director-General Alec Moemi disclosed that the lifestyle audits were initiated in response to a directive from former minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, as part of broader measures targeting entities under the department's purview. 'Initially, we focused on three of the six entities, and the others have since been asked to begin their audits,' Moemi said. 'Unlike in the public sector, where executives must declare their income and assets annually, employees in entities like the NHBRC are required to complete these forms only once,' he said. In a first round of checks concerning 82 executives and management personnel, only two employees were flagged for further investigation, while the remaining 80 were cleared. The next phase involved 216 inspectors, supply chain, and finance personnel, from which 152 were referred for further scrutiny. These 152 employees will undergo interviews where they must clarify discrepancies regarding flagged unexplained matters disclosed during the audit. Concerns regarding the lifestyle audit process have also arisen from trade unions, who complained about not being consulted and raised questions regarding data privacy and the adherence to protocols set by the Information Regulator. Deputy Minister Thandi Mahambehlala acknowledged this oversight. 'Our goal is to establish a seamless process in such a litigious environment,' Mahambehlala said. While details regarding the cost of the lifestyle audit and the identities of the involved service providers remain undisclosed, Moemi clarified that accountability measures are in place. 'If selection was mishandled, there will be consequences,' he said. Cape Times
