Nine people died after a building collapsed in Ormonde, South of Johannesburg on Monday afternoon. Nine people died after a building collapsed in Ormonde, South of Johannesburg on Monday afternoon.
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
Public Works and Infrastructure Development Minister Dean Macpherson has directed the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) to lead an investigative enquiry into the building collapse in Ormonde that claimed nine lives.
The tragedy took place on March 2, 2026.
The move is part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen building safety and restore public confidence in the regulatory system for the built environment.
Some of the deceased were foreign nationals, including individuals believed to be from Lesotho.
Operations had been suspended on Monday night after six people were confirmed dead.
At the time, two workers remained trapped under the rubble, and one person was initially reported missing. All were later found deceased, while three others are recovering in the hospital.
The CBE, which regulates professionals through mandatory standards and regulatory frameworks, has been empowered by the CBE Act 43 of 2000 to carry out such investigations.
The Act allows the Minister to request enquiries into incidents affecting public health, safety, and the environment, and also mandates the CBE to advise government, facilitate inter-ministerial cooperation, and investigate professional and regulatory compliance within the built environment.
“The investigative enquiry will adopt a multi-disciplinary approach,” said Sinah Ndala, CBE Communication Practitioner.
She explained that the technical component of the investigation will assess the structural and construction aspects of the project, including a review of engineering and architectural design, construction methodologies, temporary works arrangements, and material performance.
The aim is to determine the probable technical cause of the collapse through structural and forensic analysis, she said.
Ndala added that the regulatory and professional oversight aspect of the enquiry will examine whether the project complied with applicable regulations, and whether registered built environment practitioners were involved in the design, supervision, and certification of the development.
“Where evidence of professional negligence, misconduct, contravention of the code of conduct, or failure to fulfil statutory responsibilities is identified, such matters will be referred to the relevant authorities for further disciplinary and criminal processes,” she said.
The enquiry will also review compliance with the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, as well as other legislation governing construction and building safety.
This includes assessing whether the required municipal approvals, such as building plan approvals and development permissions, were obtained, and whether appropriate inspections and enforcement processes were followed.
The investigation is expected to take eight weeks, after which the CBE will submit its findings to Minister Macpherson.
Ndala emphasised that the enquiry forms part of ongoing government initiatives to address illegal construction practices, enhance professional accountability, and strengthen enforcement of building regulations across the country.
IOL News