George building collapse inquiry finds misconduct, negligence: ‘Government failed’
Minister of Human Settlements Thembi Simelane says the collapse was entirely preventable. Africa Melanie interviews Deon van Zyl of the Western Cape Property Development Forum.
702 and CapeTalk’s Africa Melanie speaks with Deon van Zyl, Chairperson of the Western Cape Property Development Forum.
Listen below:
A probe into the collapse of a building in Geroge, Western Cape has revealed a plethora of failures.
The collapse, which happened in May 2024, claimed the lives of 34 construction workers.
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In a briefing by Minister of Human Settlements Thembi Simelane, she said the collapse was entirely preventable.
Findings from the National Home Builders Registration Council’s (NHBRC) report revealed that officials had not properly registered the development before construction started, construction began before approvals were finalised and unqualified personnel were employed in critical roles.
RELATED: Unqualified workers responsible for George building collapse, says Simela
All buildings require municipal approval under the National Building Regulation, which looks at all health and safety factors of the structure.
The NHBRC must look after the structural integrity of the building.
“In this instance, clearly, there was no review..."
– Deon van Zyl, Chairperson – Western Cape Property Development Forum
“I think in this instance it is quite clear that the government failed. One needs to be quite brutal about what happened here.”
– Deon van Zyl, Chairperson – Western Cape Property Development Forum