Thembi Simelane Demands Building Industry Reform Amid George Collapse Fallout

The incident occurred in George, a seaside town in the Western Cape, when a multi-storey residential building still under construction collapsed without warning.

In a strong and resolute address marking the one-year anniversary of one of South Africa’s most devastating construction disasters, Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has issued a clarion call to the building industry to urgently recommit to full compliance with building regulations. Her message comes as the country continues to reel from the aftermath of the George building collapse, which tragically claimed 34 lives and left a community scarred.

Remembering the George Tragedy

The incident occurred in George, a seaside town in the Western Cape, when a multi-storey residential building still under construction collapsed without warning. Emergency responders described a scene of utter devastation as they worked around the clock to rescue survivors and recover the deceased from beneath tons of rubble. The collapse raised widespread concerns about construction safety, regulatory oversight, and accountability within the building sector.

“We must never forget the 34 souls lost in George. Their deaths were not a result of fate, but of failure—failure to comply with the very laws and regulations designed to keep people safe,” Minister Simelane stated at a press briefing held in Pretoria.

Investigation Findings: Negligence and Misconduct

In the wake of the tragedy, the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC), the statutory regulator of South Africa’s home building industry, launched a thorough investigation. This inquiry, now concluded, uncovered widespread non-compliance and gross negligence. Alarmingly, it also implicated multiple officials within the NHBRC itself.

According to the report, serious procedural failures occurred throughout the construction process, including forged inspection reports, overlooked safety hazards, and negligent oversight by regulatory bodies. Among the most troubling revelations were accusations of dishonesty, dereliction of duty, and misrepresentation—failings that Minister Simelane insists could have been avoided with due diligence.

Disciplinary Action and Legal Consequences

The Minister confirmed that disciplinary proceedings are currently underway. Several NHBRC officials have already been suspended and are facing internal disciplinary charges for misconduct, negligence, and ethical breaches. In addition, the report has been forwarded to law enforcement agencies for further investigation, which may result in criminal prosecutions.

“I have made it clear to the NHBRC board that the recommendations of this report are not optional. They must be implemented in full, without delay. The board must provide me with regular progress reports to ensure this process is not derailed,” Simelane emphasized.

NHBRC: A Regulator Under Scrutiny

Critics have long questioned whether the NHBRC has the teeth to enforce meaningful standards in an industry often plagued by corruption and corner-cutting. Addressing these concerns head-on, Simelane defended the council’s authority and promised a renewed era of strict enforcement.

“The NHBRC is not a toothless watchdog. It has the mandate—and now the obligation—to act decisively against non-compliant and unethical builders. The safety of our people depends on it,” she declared.

Simelane reassured the public that measures are being taken to reform internal governance within the NHBRC and restore public confidence in its regulatory functions.

Honouring the Heroes

In a touching moment, Minister Simelane took time to honour the emergency and rescue personnel who responded in the immediate aftermath of the collapse. Many of these teams worked under harrowing conditions, risking their own safety to rescue survivors.

“I commend our brave emergency teams. Their tireless efforts and selflessness will never be forgotten. Their heroism in the face of adversity is a beacon of hope,” she said.

A Call to Rebuild Trust and Standards

Simelane’s message to the industry was clear: the George tragedy must be a turning point. A renewed commitment to integrity, compliance, and public safety is not just desirable—it is non-negotiable. She urged all stakeholders, from builders to inspectors to regulators, to treat this moment as a moral and professional reckoning.

“There is no room for compromise when lives are at stake. We will hold each and every individual accountable, because the cost of failure is simply too high,” she concluded.

As the country reflects on a year since the tragedy, the national mood remains somber but determined. For the families affected, justice is the only solace. For the industry, reform is the only path forward.