System failures by NHBRC led to George building collapse: Simelane

Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane says several system failures on the side of the National Home Builders Registration Council led to the collapse of the building in George in May last year.

The collapse, which took place during construction, caused 34 deaths and dozens of injuries.

Briefing Parliament’s Human Settlements Committee on the report that followed an investigation, Simelane painted a picture of several lapses on the side of the NHBRC.

She said a failure of systems at NHBRC include ensuring the mandatory requirements, prior registration and guarantees needed for enrollment for building processes and proceedings are followed and lapse of enrollment requirements overlooked by staff at the council.

Simelane added that there were also lapses by the council regarding the structural engineering and drawings, that were not fully disclosed.

“We also had missing detailed material information with regard to construction, but nonetheless instead of the process being halted, construction happened.”

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