The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has condemned what it describes as growing lawlessness in the construction sector.
Image: Courtney Africa/Independent Newspapers
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has condemned what it describes as growing non-compliance in the construction industry.
This comes after a building collapse in Ormonde, south of Johannesburg, claimed the lives of nine workers earlier this week. The City of Johannesburg has since confirmed that no building plans were submitted for approval before construction began at the site.
IOL also previously reported that Public Works and Infrastructure Development Minister Dean Macpherson has warned that the City will demolish a collapsed building in Ormonde if the company responsible fails to come forward and take accountability, as the death toll rose to nine.
“Each incident carries its own specific circumstances, but cumulatively we must understand what is behind these collapses and what more we can do as the government. We must confront whether systemic conditions are allowing these tragedies to occur. This demands a crisis response," Macpherson said.
The union said the incident shows a worrying pattern of developers ignoring the law and safety rules.
"Incidents of unauthorised construction sites and/or non-compliance are increasingly becoming commonplace in the sector. In 2024, more than 60 workers fell victim to unscrupulous developers in George in the Western Cape, when a multi-story building on Victoria Lane collapsed while under construction, leaving 34 people dead and 28 injured," The union said.
"A year and a half later, in December, another building collapsed in Redcliffe, North of Durban, in KwaZulu-Natal, claiming five lives and injuring several others."
The union added that the findings in all three tragedies point to failure to register building plans and follow proper procedures.
"COSATU is troubled by the mushrooming of unapproved structures under the noses of authorities. Whilst we appreciate thorough investigations, dwindling zeal for accountability is a catalyst for impunity".
"Since the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC)’s report into the George building collapse was released by Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane, we have not heard of criminal charges been brought against those responsible. Prolonging arrests will translate into perpetual disregard for the law and procedures in the sector".
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za
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