Ormonde building collapse families seek support for children

Emergency crews assess the structural damage after the multi-storey building gave way in Ormonde, south of Johannesburg.

Families of the construction workers who died in the collapsed building in Ormonde, south of Johannesburg, have called on the government to support the children of the deceased.

Nine people were killed, and three others were injured in the incident, which happened on Monday.

Mfanakhona Hlatshwayo, who lost his brother, Abel Hlatshwayo, says there are serious questions about whether proper approvals and oversight were in place before construction started began.

ORMONDE BUILDING UPDATE:
Following an urgent meeting held on Tuesday, 3 February, with the City’s building inspectors to address ongoing non-compliance with building regulations and illegal developments across Johannesburg, the MMC for Development Planning, Cllr Eunice Mgcina,… pic.twitter.com/BDT9iiCnuW

— City of Joburg (@CityofJoburgZA) March 4, 2026

“I don’t know how to explain this situation. Was there no foreman, no owner, no municipality involved? It is clear that the place is dangerous and has water beneath it. If you are going to build a building of that size in that kind of place, I really don’t know whether they had the proper papers or if the land was legally bought,” says Hlatshwayo.

He says the government must intervene because no one can obtain land without the municipality.

“The government must also support the children of these people until they finish school,” he adds.

WATCH | Genetic Consulting Infrastructure Specialist Lufuno Ratsiku says the underdetection of illegal buildings is among the key concerns facing various cities. His comments follow the building collapse in Ormonde, south of Johannesburg, that left nine people dead. pic.twitter.com/Jwyb0FzuvB

— SABC News (@SABCNews) March 3, 2026