The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is deeply disturbed that non-compliance in the construction industry is increasingly becoming commonplace with devastating results. The latest building collapse has claimed the lives of nine workers in Ormonde, south of Johannesburg.
A section of the building caved in on 12 workers on Monday. The City of Johannesburg has since revealed that proper channels were not followed for the approval of construction at the site. No plans for the building were submitted to the City’s Development Planning department.
Incidents of unauthorised construction sites and/or non-compliance are increasingly becoming commonplace in the sector. In 2024, more than 60 workers fell victim to unscrupulous developers in George in the Western Cape, when a multi-story building on Victoria Lane collapsed while under construction, leaving 34 people dead and 28 injured. A year and a half later in December, another building collapsed in Redcliffe, North of Durban, in KwaZulu-Natal, claiming five lives and injuring several others.
Common assessments in the three tragedies included failure to register building plans before construction, equating to illegal operations. Due to this, health and safety requirements were not met, a risk for any fatal eventuality.
COSATU is troubled by the mushrooming of unapproved structures under the noses of authorities. Whilst we appreciate thorough investigations, dwindling zeal for accountability is a catalyst for impunity.
Since the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC)’s report into the George building collapse was released by Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane, we have not heard of criminal charges been brought against those responsible. Prolonging arrests will translate into perpetual disregard for the law and procedures in the sector.
We therefore call for justice for those who died at the hands of these criminals and for their loved ones. This must include those who break our health and safety, labour and construction laws going to prison and the families of victims being fully compensated.
Our hearts go out to the families of the workers who lost their lives. It is not only upsetting to witness preventable deaths, it is also disheartening to see lives lost while fending to put a plate on the table.
Issued by COSATU