George building collapse: Probe reveals NHBRC officials tried to manipulate council’s systems

CAPE TOWN - An investigation has revealed that officials at the National Home Builders’ Registration Council (NHBRC) attempted to cover their tracks and manipulate the council’s systems, following the collapse of a partially constructed apartment block in George in 2024.

Minister of Human Settlements Thembi Simelane told Parliament the lapses that led to the irregular approval of the construction have also pointed to the need for the council to strengthen its systems.

At least one official used another’s system access details to approve the project while she was on leave.

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Parliament’s portfolio committee heard on Friday that in a series of steps, NHBRC officials didn’t ensure all the correct documentation accompanied the application by Liatel Developments for the George building.

What was only approved to be a one-storey building became five, before the building caved in and killed 34 workers on site.

Simelane said a risk analysis showed NHBRC officials did not inspect the construction site prior to approval.

“The officials might have tried to reengineer, for lack of a better word, the inspection record so they close the gap that they didn’t inspect, but it is showing [that they did].”

She said it’s not only shocking that officials cut corners in granting approval, but that the council’s systems made it possible to complete a series of steps without the required documents.

“The fact that the system can allow such it also indicates that IT improvements are necessary.”

Simelane said the NHBRC also did not assess whether Liatel Developments was technically capable of building a multi-floor development.