Simelane promises stricter requirements for builders & developers to be registered

CAPE TOWN - Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane told reporters on Wednesday that the requirements for builders and developers to be registered would be stricter going forward.

She briefed the media on the findings of the National Home Builders Regulatory Council (NHBRC)'s investigation into the George building collapse.

The building collapsed in May last year, which resulted in the deaths of 34 people.

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Simelane said that a more thorough pre-registration process would now be in place.

"The home builders and developers will be required to undergo more stringent training and grading before being registered with the NHBRC and section 26 provides that a system and requirements will be prescribed for the registration of a home builder and a developer proving a grade that reflects the level of competence."

The release of the report comes as President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Housing Consumer Protection Act into law.

Among others, it outlines stricter registration, grading, and training requirements for homebuilders.

Simelane added that those who did not comply with the act would face serious consequences.

"A new law also provides for more transgression and penalties on both administrative and substantive noncompliance as outlined in terms of section 63 and 64 of the act. The minister is empowered to prescribe an even stiffer penalty amount threshold that the entity council may impose in instances of administrative noncompliance."