News that the George building collapse, in which 34 people died and many others were injured, could have been prevented if correct procedures were followed has left residents appalled at an apparent lack of accountability.

When the building, still under construction, collapsed on May 6, 2024, it buried most of the workers under the rubble. While 28 people were rescued alive, many suffered severe, life-changing injuries.

The latest developments in the investigation of the tragedy saw Human Settlements Minister Thembisile Simelane-Nkadimeng yesterday deliver a report overview to her department’s portfolio committee.

She mentioned that the approximately 250-page report by the board of the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) – an entity whose mission is to protect the housing consumer and regulate the home building environment – was concluded last Wednesday.

“It gave us a full understanding of what transpired, pre and post the investigation,” the minister added.

Simelane-Nkadimeng said the ‘very sad report’ indicates a ‘failure of our systems at the NHBRC’. “Particularly ensuring that the mandatory requirements, prior registration, and guarantees that are needed for an enrollment for a building process and procedures are followed. There was a lapse of enrollment and requirements that were overlooked by our internal staff at the council… something like attachment of enrollment certificates that need to happen before the building of any building can commence…,” the minister announced.

The Citizen reports that the NHBRC approved the construction despite incomplete plans and unmet structural design requirements, also permitting unapproved plan changes.

The minister stated that the initial building application described a single-storey structure, but the documents were later altered to show a multi-storey building.

Readers of George Herald commented on the newspaper’s Facebook page, asking when arrests would be made and who would be held accountable.

In February, it was reported that the Western Cape Government handed over its independent investigation report to SAPS, but it was said the findings would remain confidential to avoid compromising potential criminal proceedings.

“It is for this reason that the findings of the independent probe cannot be made public, so that we do not in any way compromise the SAPS investigation and further possible proceedings,” Premier Alan Winde said at the time.

According to The Citizen, the contractor and two government officials – who were on probation when the building approvals were finalised – are being charged with culpable homicide. The NHBRC’s CEO at the time is also facing disciplinary action, while the police investigation into the building collapse remains active.

Watch the briefing:

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.