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The Citizen
09-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Three injured after wall collapses in Houghton, Johannesburg
Everyone who was actively working on the site when the wall collapsed is safe. A wall collapsed at a construction site in a residential area in Houghton, in Johannesburg, on 9 June 2025. Picture: Joburg Emergency Services Three people have been rescued at a construction site, north of Johannesburg, after a wall collapsed at a residential area. It is understood that the accident happened in Houghton on Monday afternoon. Wall collapse Johannesburg Emergency Services (EMS) spokesperson Xolile Khumalo said they responded to the wall collapse just after 1:30pm. 'Upon arrival, emergency personnel discovered three individuals trapped beneath a wall. Rescue operations commenced immediately. 'Two patients were extricated and transported to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital for further treatment. The third patient was rescued shortly afterwards and taken to Milpark Hospital, 'Khumalo said. Khumalo added that they will remain at the scene to ensure the area is safe and to investigate the cause of the accident. ALSO READ: George building collapse: Minister details investigation findings Structural collapse In March, two men died after being trapped under a house's structural collapse in Phoenix. Sections of an incomplete home renovation in Canehaven Drive were believed to have given way, resulting in the accident. First responders reported that the men could not initially be removed from the rubble, as they had been pinned against a permanent structure. Mozambican nationals were reportedly digging a trench to redirect a drainage system as part of a home renovation project. George building collapse Meanwhile, last year's building collapse in George that killed 34 people could have been prevented if established procedures had been followed. Minister of Human Settlements Thembisile Simelane-Nkadimeng presented an overview of a report on the collapse to her department's portfolio committee. The report was concluded earlier this year and submitted to the Department of Human Settlements (DHS) on 26 March. Investigations A multi-story development under construction collapsed on 6 May 2024 on Victoria Street in the suburb of Dormehls Drift in George. Subsequent investigations have implicated the contractor involved, while the report discussed on Friday focused on the actions of National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) officials. Simelane-Nkadimeng stated that multiple errors were made by NHBRC staff, primarily in failing to follow procedures and conduct proper oversight. Additional reporting by Jarryd Westerdale ALSO READ: WATCH: One injured after building collapses in Lenasia, Joburg
Daily Maverick
08-06-2025
- Daily Maverick
Probe into George building collapse complete, findings to be shared with victims' families
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson said those responsible for the disaster would be held accountable. After studying a report on the collapse of a five-storey residential property development in George, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson will share the findings with the families of the victims. The report, compiled by the Council for the Built Environment, comes more than a year after the collapse of the residential property development in George caused the deaths of 34 people and injured 28. 'As the department, we will now carefully study the report to develop a pathway forward to ensure that a tragedy such as the George building collapse never happens again,' said Macpherson in a statement. 'As I have previously committed, after studying the report, I will personally return to George to present the findings of this report to the families affected by this tragedy. They deserve to hear directly from us, not through the media, about what went wrong and how we intend to rectify it.' Macpherson's spokesperson, James de Villiers, said a final date had not yet been set by the minister to visit the families. It is also unclear whether the findings of the report will be made public. 'This will be decided after having spoken to the families,' said De Villiers. The collapse of the five-storey development, known as 75 Victoria, in May 2024, was followed by a recovery effort that lasted for several days. Twenty-eight survivors were eventually recovered from the rubble. The contractor for the development was Liatel Developments, under director Theuns Kruger, Daily Maverick reported. Macpherson said the completion of the report 'marks a critical step in the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure's commitment to uncover the truth behind this preventable disaster and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable'. He said the collapse of the building was 'the result of systemic failures across regulatory bodies and a lack of cooperation among key stakeholders'. He added that the department would continue to work with the South African Police Service, the National Prosecuting Authority and other regulatory bodies to 'ensure accountability'. 'As I have said before, the collapse of the George building was entirely preventable, and we will therefore work towards accountability and address any errors which may have been identified. By working together, we are ensuring a safe and secure construction sector for all stakeholders,' said Macpherson. The report is one of several commissioned by various stakeholders into the collapse. In April, the National Home Builders Registration Council's (NHBRC's) investigation into the collapse of the building revealed that there were several breaches in occupational health and safety standards at the construction site, Daily Maverick's Tamsin Metelerkamp reported. The NHBRC is a regulatory body of the home building industry, with a mandate to protect the interests of housing consumers and to ensure that builders comply with the prescribed building standards. Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane said the violations identified in the NHBRC's report included a failure to address safety concerns at the site, as well as the resignation of a safety consultant during the building process. DM
IOL News
06-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
Top 5 Signs Your Wall Cracks Need Immediate Repair
Here are the top five signs that your wall cracks need immediate repair. Wall cracks are often brushed off as minor cosmetic issues, especially in older homes or buildings. However, not all cracks are harmless. Some are early warnings of underlying structural issues that could compromise the safety and value of your property. Knowing when a crack demands professional attention can save you from costly repairs down the line. Here are the top five signs that your wall cracks need immediate repair. Type of Cracks and Treatment Hairline cracks are typically harmless and caused by normal settling, temperature changes or paint shrinkage. However, cracks wider than 5mm (about the width of a pencil) are a red flag, and may show it's time to schedule professional wall crack repairs. These wider gaps often suggest structural movement or foundation shifts. If the crack continues to expand or you can see daylight through it, it's time to immediately consult a professional. With reference to the National Home Builders Regulatory Council (NHBRC) Home Building Manual: Part 2 (2015); structural damage is classified by maximum crack widths in masonry walls as follows; Minor damage (Categories 0 to 2) is classified by crack widths of 0.25-5mm. Significant damage (Categories 3 to 5) is classified by crack widths of 5-25mm. Over 25mm is considered major and signals a danger of instability. In most instances, minor damage (Categories 0 to 2) represents aesthetic damage as opposed to serviceability damage (Categories 3 to 4) and stability damage (Category 5). Category 0 'negligible' cracking, cracks less than 0.25mm in width. Category 1 'very slight' cracking, cracks less than 1mm in width, isolated and localized. Category 2 'slight' cracks less than 5mm in width. Category 3 'moderate' cracks between 5mm and 15mm or a number of cracks in one group. Professional intervention highly recommended. Category 4 'severe' cracks between 15mm and 25mm, depending also on number of cracks in a group. This indicates serious movement and stability issues and requires immediate professional intervention. Category 5 'very severe' cracks usually greater than 25mm, depending also on number of cracks in a group. This indicates very serious movement and stability issues. Immediate professional intervention required with possible major repair work necessary. The repaired cracks should be regularly monitored. If minor cracking continues to occur these should be repaired during regular maintenance of the dwelling. If, however, further significant cracking occurs, Category 3, 4 or even 5 cracks, the homeowner MUST engage the services of a professional for assessment. Depending on the severity, it may be necessary to appoint a structural engineer and/or a geotechnical engineer to carry out a detailed assessment of the cracking to determine whether underpinning of the structure is required. Cracks That Follow a Stair-Step Pattern Cracks that form a zigzag or stair-step pattern along brick or block walls usually indicate foundation movement. This is especially concerning if they appear in conjunction with uneven floors or sticking doors and windows. These patterns follow the mortar lines and are often symptomatic of subsidence or soil expansion beneath the structure. This type of damage should never be ignored, as it can rapidly worsen without the necessary wall crack repairs. Horizontal or Diagonal Cracks While vertical cracks are common and often benign, horizontal or diagonal cracks, particularly near the ceiling or at the corners of windows and doors, are more serious. These types of cracks may suggest pressure from shifting foundations or water damage compromising structural integrity. Horizontal cracks in concrete or masonry walls, especially in basements, may indicate hydrostatic pressure and require immediate attention. Cracks Accompanied by Moisture or Mould Any crack that allows water to seep through is cause for concern. Dampness around a crack can lead to mould growth, which brings health risks and can weaken surrounding materials. If you notice musty smells, visible mould, or water stains around cracks, it's important to act quickly. Water ingress not only worsens structural damage but can also create long-term issues with air quality and internal finishes. Sudden Appearance or Rapid Worsening of Cracks A crack that appears suddenly or grows quickly over days or weeks is a serious warning sign. This kind of rapid progression can be triggered by events such as earthquakes, nearby construction, or failing retaining structures. Regardless of the cause, fast-growing cracks are rarely superficial and should be assessed by a professional without delay. Final Thoughts While not all wall cracks are emergencies, knowing which signs indicate a deeper problem is essential for the longevity and safety of your home. If you notice any of these top five signs, particularly in combination, it's vital to consult a structural expert. Early intervention can prevent major damage and protect your property from further deterioration. When in doubt, it's always better to be on the side of caution.
IOL News
31-05-2025
- 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
Daily Maverick
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Collapsing buildings and lapses in safety bedevil the SA construction sector
The construction sector has one of the highest accident rates of any industry in South Africa, with 1.5 to two fatalities per week. It is classified as one of the top four high-risk industries in the country, according to Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Jomo Sibiya. 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 such as 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. George disaster On 6 May 2024, the Neo Victoria project, a residential building under construction, collapsed in George, Western Cape, killing 34 workers and injuring 28 – a tragic disaster and among the worst in the South African construction industry. President Cyril Ramaphosa said, in extending his condolences, that '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.' Most of the dead 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 parliamentary committee on human settlements on 4 April 2025. She said '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. Deadly KZN collapses On 18 May 2024, four construction workers died and one survived following the collapse of an embankment at a construction site in Zen Drive, Ballito. 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 19 November 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 regulations; missing steels and columns; lack of supervision on site; an important site diary was missing; lack of health and safety audits; 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 used 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. NPA failures 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 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. 'No such thing as an accident' An analysis conducted for the South African Institute of Occupational Health 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 Prof 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 was the main reason for the collapse of buildings. The causes of most of the incidents examined could be traced to senior management, who fix only 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.
