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Daily Maverick
6 days ago
- Daily Maverick
George building collapse: Tribunal finds engineer who signed off plans guilty on five charges
The week a report on the biggest construction disaster in South Africa was released, the Engineering Council of South Africa revealed it had sanctioned the Paarl engineer who signed off on the plans. The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced on Tuesday, 22 July 2025, that 'an ECSA-registered person', implicated in the tragic structural collapse of a building in George on 6 May 2024, had been found guilty of five contraventions of the law. One of these includes a 'misrepresentation of academic qualifications and competency'. The engineer will be charged with five counts related to failing to comply with relevant legislation governing the industry, including the Engineering Profession Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, the National Environmental Management Act, and the Employment Equity Act. These charges follow the suspension of the registration of the engineer, who was unnamed in the media statement, in June 2024 and which had been informed by a decision taken by an Engineering Council of South Africa disciplinary tribunal. Shortly after the collapse of the building, Daily Maverick reported that Paarl-based engineer Athol Mitchell, whose signature appears on George building plans in possession of Daily Maverick, 'went missing'. He was later found. The Pink Ladies Facebook Post on the missing Athol Mitchell. The council said that it had maintained 'active cooperation with law enforcement authorities' and that 'in line with this commitment, the disciplinary ruling, investigation report and supporting evidence have been referred to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for further investigation and action in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977'. Penalties The council announced that it had imposed the maximum permissible monetary penalty on 'the Respondent', which had been informed 'by the findings of the investigation report into the collapse and the possible improper conduct of any Engineering Council of South Africa-registered persons'. On 8 July, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson received a report on the collapse of a five-storey residential property development in George, and promised to share this with families. The report, compiled by the Council for the Built Environment, comes more than a year after the collapse of the residential property development that caused the deaths of 34 people and injured 28. Previous complaints The council said the decision to suspend 'the member' came after findings that the George building disaster had been the third complaint that had been lodged against the engineer. 'In 2019, the Engineering Council of South Africa received the first complaint against the Respondent, and upon review by the investigating committee it was concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support a finding of a breach of the ECSA's Code of Conduct,' read the statement. A subsequent complaint was lodged in December 2023, and an independent investigation by the Engineering Council of South Africa's governing council determined that there 'was prima facie evidence of improper conduct'. The formal disciplinary hearing was convened before the tribunal, which found the engineer guilty of contravening Rules 3.1(a) and 3.1(c) of the Code of Conduct. Charges The council said the engineer also faced charges for violations of the Code of Conduct and the Code of Practice for the Performance of Engineering Work. This included failures 'to discharge duties to employers, clients, associates and the public with due care, skill and diligence and to adhere to professional norms when carrying out work' as well as 'misrepresentation, or knowingly permitting misrepresentation, of academic or professional qualifications or competency'. Further charges were 'a failure to give due regard to and prioritise the health, safety and interests of the public as well as a failure to comply with relevant legislation'. The defence The Engineering Council of South Africa revealed that the implicated engineer had sent formal notice to the body via his legal representative that he would not be participating in the hearing, and that it should continue in his absence. 'A plea of not guilty was entered on the Respondent's behalf. The Tribunal, comprising a duly admitted attorney (Chairperson) and 2 (two) suitably qualified Engineering Council of South Africa-registered persons (Tribunal Members), heard expert evidence presented by the ECSA in support of the charges, based on the findings of the investigation report,' read the statement. The tribunal found him guilty of all five charges, and in accordance with Section 32(3)(a) of the act, the Tribunal was empowered to impose one or more permitted sanctions: a maximum permissible fine calculated in terms of the Adjustment of Fines Act and a cancellation of the engineer's registration and removal from the register. The council said it extended its 'deepest sympathies to the families who lost their loved ones, those who were injured and everyone in the George community affected by this devastating tragedy. We are willing to cooperate with any affected people who intend to pursue legal action against the Respondent.' DM
The Citizen
20-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
George building disaster: ‘Many red flags ignored'
Red flags about serious structural problems in the Neo Victoria building that collapsed on May 6, 2024, were already raised as early as 2023. Two days before the building collapsed, the contractor observed unusual movement and vibration of the roof slab. According to the chairperson of the Council for the Built Environment (CBE), Amelia Mtshali, among the early warning signs of structural defects were significant cracks and holes around the bases of the columns, undersized support columns and missing expansion joints, George Herald reports. Mtshali was part of a delegation accompanying the minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, who met personally with survivors of the collapse and affected families at the Protea King George Hotel on Saturday, July 19. The president of the Engineering Council of South Africa (Ecsa), TC Madikane, and the CEO of the Council for the Built Environment, Dr Msizi Myeza also addressed the media. Speaking at a media briefing after the meeting, Macpherson shared key findings of the CBE report. He said despite the warning signs, site managers reportedly instructed workers to patch the damage with sand and mortar, rather than halt the construction and escalate the matter for formal investigation. 'The strength of the concrete used in the slabs measured 13 MPa, about half of the required specification of 19-25 MPa. 'This is a material failure of the most basic kind.' He said the engineer responsible for the structural system, did not have the necessary competency required to oversee a complex project encompassing a five-storey building. Macpherson said currently the regulatory system allows engineers to self-assess their own competence, which is a glaring loophole that must be closed. Health and safety agent resigned midway through project The report also found that the geotechnical study of the site, that is critical in determining soil stability and groundwater conditions, was incomplete and 'grossly deficient'. Key tests and geological mappings were missing. Furthermore, 'The health and safety agent appointed to monitor site compliance resigned midway through the project stating clearly that they could no longer ensure safe working conditions. This was not reported, and if it had been, the site would have been closed. This should have stopped the project in its tracks.' He said there was also a 'shocking' lack of coordination between regulatory authorities, from planning departments to the NHBRC inspectors, public works profressionals and the Department of Labour officials. They '… all worked in silos. No one saw the full picture. They only saw that which they were responsible for. No one sounded the alarm with the force and speed required.' The report also found that the country's legislative framework is also 'hopelessly' outdated. 'The National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act was last meaningfully amended in 1996. The built environment has fundamentally changed. Our laws have not. 'These are not minor oversights, but systemic failures, failures of planning, failures of oversight, failures of enforcement, and failures of culture. What happened here more than a year ago, was a lethal convergence of these failures which resulted in the death of 34 people and 28 injured.' Many chances to stop the project He said that there was a chance to stop the project at every red flag, but because of a weak regulatory environment, 'there was either no incentive or requirement to do so'. 'This is what makes me so angry about this tragedy when I view it from this perspective. It was entirely preventable.' Engagement with families Macpherson said his meeting with the families was 'deeply emotional'. 'It was hard to listen to the protracted pain and suffering that so many family members continue to deal with today. These people have names, they have faces. Their lives and dreams were cut short, and their families have forever been changed by this incident.' Engineer guilty of five violations Madikane from the CBE said the registered engineer was found guilty of five violations of the Ecsa Code of Conduct and Code of Practice, including failure to act with care and diligence, disregarding professional norms, misrepresenting qualifications, neglecting public health and safety aspects, and failure to adhere to legislation such as the Engineering Profession Act and National Building Regulations. A tribunal imposed the maximum fine and cancelled the engineer's registration, preventing him from practising in South Africa. The engineer has until 3 August to appeal, and may take the matter to the high court if dissatisfied with the outcome. Ecsa report part of SAPS investigation Myeza from the CBE said the Ecsa investigation report will be gazetted in due course. 'The report will form part of the police investigation to establish criminal negligence into what happened. If criminal wrongdoing is established, and I believe that it can be, those responsible must be prosecuted without delay. We must ensure that people are held accountable for 34 souls losing their life.' Myeza said proposed legislative reforms include a revised Council for the Built Environment Bill to strengthen governance, clarify regulatory powers, and improve accountability in the built environment sector. Sixteen new regulations will be submitted through the minister to government for approval with the intent to strengthen gaps that have been identified and improve the regulations 'to ensure that we minimise recurrence of life-threatening structural collapses'. Video: The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean MacPherson personally shared findings of the Engineering Council of South Africa's investigation with the survivors and families affected by the Victoria Street building collapse of 2024. #latestnews #gardenroute #georgebuildingcollapse ♬ original sound – George Herald @thegeorgeherald The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean MacPherson, this morning personally shared findings of the Engineering Council of South Africa's investigation with the survivors and families affected by the Victoria Street building collapse of 2024. A media briefing is underway in which Macpherson said the report found serious negligence and shortcomings in the construction processes and legislation from the outset, building materials and oversight. Communication between the various authorities was also significantly lacking, and among the recommendations for the future are revised processes and much stricter requirements for the construction industry and engineers. #georgewesterncape Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
19-07-2025
- TimesLIVE
Deadly George building collapse was 'entirely preventable': Macpherson
The tragedy of the partially completed building which collapsed in Victoria Street in the George municipality and claimed 34 lives in May last year was "entirely preventable". Public works and infrastructure minister Dean Macpherson, who released the findings of investigative reports into the building collapse following a meeting with families on Saturday, said the results were "serious, far-reaching and in many respects alarming". He said he would introduce a number of legislative reforms, including modernising regulations to avoid future tragedies and establishing a hotline for construction stakeholders to report safety concerns. Macpherson called for a police investigation into those criminally responsible for the tragedy. He said the Council for the Built Environment report found eight major faults: Serious safety concerns were raised well before the collapse as workers noticed cracks in columns, strange vibrations in the slab, and even visible holes through the walls in the basement as early as 2023; Despite these warning signs, site managers reportedly instructed workers to patch the damage with sand and mortar, rather than halting construction and escalating the matter for formal investigation; concrete used in the slabs did not meet required specifications and this was a basic material failure; The so-called 'competent person' responsible for the structural system did not have the necessary competency requirements to oversee a project of this complexity (a five-storey building); The geotechnical study of the site, critical in determining soil stability and groundwater conditions, was not only incomplete, but grossly deficient with key tests and geological mappings being missing; The Health and Safety Agent appointed to monitor site compliance resigned midway through the project saying they could no longer ensure safe working conditions. This was not reported to any of the relevant authorities which would halted construction; There was a lack of coordination between regulatory authorities including planning departments, NHBRC inspectors, DPWI professionals, and labour officials; and The National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act which was last meaningfully amended in 1996 is outdated. Parallel to this investigation, the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) investigated the culpability of the engineer involved in the construction project.
The Citizen
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Container home trend gaining ground in JHB
As Johannesburg's property landscape evolves, container homes are emerging as a practical solution for those looking for ways to maximise space, accommodate family members, and generate rental income. This trend is particularly noticeable in areas such as Johannesburg South, where container structures are increasingly being used as secondary dwellings, granny flats, or backyard rental units. 'From a cost-efficiency perspective, container homes can be an attractive long-term investment, particularly for buyers with budget constraints,' says Nadia Aucamp, broker/owner of RE/MAX All Stars. 'They offer affordability, quicker construction times, and potential sustainability benefits. Additionally, they can serve as rental units or supplementary dwellings, adding value to a property with multiple structures,' she states. However, Aucamp notes that these homes are still seen primarily as supplementary, not primary, residences. 'In most markets, traditional brick-and-mortar homes retain stronger resale value. Container homes are often viewed as temporary or movable structures, which may impact appreciation over time.' That said, growing acceptance and potential regulatory shifts could change this perception. 'As more municipalities begin formalising container housing regulations, and as public awareness grows, we could see improved resale values and broader market acceptance,' Aucamp adds. While interest in container housing is growing in urban pockets like Johannesburg South and the inner city, areas such as Alberton and Germiston have yet to see widespread demand. This may be due to limited buyer awareness or a cautious approach from local authorities. Aucamp cautions that regulatory clarity remains an obstacle. 'While Johannesburg is starting to embrace alternative housing models, approval processes still vary between municipalities. Container homes must comply with the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, which includes zoning, structural safety, and fire compliance.' Financial institutions also typically require full municipal approval before financing properties with container homes. 'Prospective buyers should ensure all municipal by-laws are followed, including obtaining approved building plans. This is especially important for securing financing and ensuring future resale value,' Aucamp emphasizes. Across South Africa, Adrian Goslett, regional director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, notes that there has been a gradual shift in the way people approach residential property. 'Many are not only viewing them as a place to live, but also as a way to generate income,' he states. 'Container homes offer an innovative response to changing housing needs, both for multi-generational living as well as for passive income streams. As regulation catches up with demand and market sentiment continues to evolve, we anticipate broader adoption and increased interest across the country,' he concludes. Issued by: Kayla Ferguson
The Citizen
27-04-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Squatters invade greenbelt area in Heeren Street
A concerned resident reached out to the Vryheid Herald to report illegal squatters occupying the corners of Heeren and Mason streets. The squatters have set up shelters using tarps and tree stumps, strategically placing them in the bushy area to conceal their presence from the public. A journalist contacted Ward Councillor Cllr Elaine Rodway, who said she was currently engaged in discussions with the mayor regarding the issue. Rodway said, 'Over the past few weeks, there have been several reports of instances where residents have noticed shacks being erected in this area. According to my knowledge, I do not believe permission was granted for this land to be occupied and it seems highly unlikely that makeshift shacks would comply with any building codes in place under the NBRBS Act [National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act]. Section 4(1) of the NBRBS Act strictly prohibits the erection of any building without drawn plans and the prior approval of the municipality. 'It is imperative that the municipality take quick and decisive action when these occupations take place to avoid possible legal ramifications which could occur if the matter is not attended to with some semblance of urgency. 'With all that being said, however, it is also important to acknowledge the plight of the homeless with a sense of compassion and humanity. I hope we can find a resolution that may offer an alternative for the provision of temporary emergency accommodation, if possible. I am still very much in favour of establishing a much-needed homeless shelter in AbaQulusi and I believe this incident highlights the need for it. I believe the mayor is investigating the matter, but no feedback was available at the time of going to print.' According to the South African government website, both state land (land under the control of a national or provincial government or municipality) and privately-owned land can be invaded unlawfully. Government has a constitutional duty to ensure – where required and with available resources – that all citizens can enjoy their basic rights to access to land and housing. Where large-scale invasions occur, government has a similar duty to assist private landowners to protect their land. Where unlawful occupiers (whose basic rights are not at risk) have to be evicted, the private land owner must, without delay, approach the court for an eviction order in terms of the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act, 1998 (Act 19 of 1998). This law is currently administered by the Department of Human Settlements and will be transferred to the Department of Rural Development & Land Reform (DRDLR) in due course. Individuals in need of housing can approach the local municipality or, if necessary, the provincial or national Department of Human Settlements for assistance. ALSO READ: Illegal dumping, litter and sewage chokes Ncandu River The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
