Report reveals severe irregularities in construction that led to 34 deaths in the Western Cape
Chairperson of the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC), Noxolo Kiviet, has called for justice to be served for the victims of the George building collapse, describing the tragedy as a stark reminder of the need for accountability in South Africa’s construction sector.
Speaking alongside Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane in Pretoria, Kiviet addressed the findings of a long-awaited report into the May 2024 disaster that claimed 34 lives. The collapse of the multi-storey building in George, Western Cape, shocked the nation and raised serious questions about compliance and oversight in the building industry.
The report, unveiled during Thursday's briefing, outlines a series of severe irregularities both prior to and during the construction phase. According to investigators, these violations may have directly contributed to the catastrophic structural failure.
Despite the scale of the tragedy, no arrests have yet been made. Kiviet emphasized the importance of a measured but firm response.
“We must be thorough, and full accountability must take its course,” she said. “We want to see justice being done. While it may appear delayed, the quality and depth of this report equip us to take decisive action—action that will assure affected families that their pain has not been ignored.”
Kiviet’s remarks come amid growing public pressure for those responsible to be held accountable, and for regulatory bodies to tighten controls to prevent similar disasters in the future.
The NHBRC, tasked with regulating the home building industry and ensuring safety standards, has come under scrutiny in the aftermath of the collapse. Kiviet maintained that the council would work closely with law enforcement and government partners to ensure the findings translate into meaningful action.
“We cannot allow this to be just another report,” she said. “It must lead to justice, and ultimately, to reform.”