By: Buhle Mbhele
Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, has directed the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) to lead a technical, governance and regulatory investigation into Monday’s building collapse in Ormonde, Johannesburg, south of Johannesburg, which claimed nine lives.
The inquiry will examine the structural design of the building, the construction methods used, compliance with building regulations and the level of professional oversight during the project.
According to the department, the investigation will also assess whether proper engineering and architectural standards were followed and whether relevant authorities fulfilled their oversight responsibilities.
The CBE, the statutory body responsible for coordinating and overseeing South Africa’s built environment professions, will conduct the investigation over an eight-week period.
Macpherson said the findings are expected to help improve building safety standards, strengthen regulatory enforcement and restore public confidence in the country’s built environment systems.
Authorities have indicated that the probe could also lead to disciplinary or legal action if negligence, regulatory breaches or professional misconduct are identified.
