George Building Collapse ‘Entirely Preventable’, Says Minister

On 6 May 2024, a five-storey apartment block under construction at 75 Victoria Street in George, Western Cape, collapsed, resulting in 34 fatalities and 28 injuries. A government-led investigation has revealed that several structural deficiencies and material inadequacies contributed to the failure.

Concrete strength in the floor slabs was recorded at only 13 MPa, falling short of the required 19–25 MPa range. Structural concerns, including visible cracks in columns, wall perforations, and noticeable vibrations, were raised as early as 2023. Despite this, site managers instructed temporary patching using sand and mortar instead of halting work for proper inspection.

The appointed structural engineer did not hold the required qualifications for a multi-storey development. The current regulatory framework in South Africa allows engineers to self-declare their competency, a gap now under review. The geotechnical investigation conducted for the site was found to be inadequate, lacking critical tests on groundwater and soil conditions.

Investigations by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) and the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) identified failures in project registration and oversight. The building was initially listed as a single-storey structure with the NHBRC. During construction, the design changed to a five-storey building, but no updated technical review was conducted.

The site’s Health and Safety Agent resigned mid-project due to unsafe conditions, yet this was not reported to any authority. The NHBRC enrolment was finalized after construction began—violating procedural requirements. Key documentation, including structural compliance with SANS 10100-1, was missing. Subcontractors also flagged quality concerns in the concrete used for key structural elements.

The ECSA suspended the implicated engineer and imposed the maximum fine, also removing them from the professional register. Their investigation report has been referred to law enforcement as part of a wider criminal negligence inquiry.

In response, the Department of Public Works has outlined a reform plan, including:

These steps are intended to strengthen regulation and improve oversight mechanisms in future construction projects.

Check out the following video for further information.