George building collapse: Latest report finds building inspection procedures not followed

JOHANNESBURG - The latest preliminary report into the George building collapse has found that several building inspection procedures had not been followed.

In 2024, a building under construction in the Garden Route in Western Cape, collapsed, resulting in the deaths of 34 people and many serious injuries.

The minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane, stated that if the final report reveals breaches of the Housing Consumers Protection Measures Act, her department will take legal action.

Simelane’s spokesperson, Tsekiso Machike, said the minister is committed to holding everyone responsible for the collapse accountable.

“Should it happen that there are procedural flaws and compromise of the NHBRC [National Home  Builders Registration Council] building standards, we will not hesitate to refer its recommendations to the law enforcement authorities for investigation and possible criminal charges. She [Simelane] underscored that if any crime was committed, including her officials at NHBRC, she will not hesitate to act.”

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