George collapse forensic report; DPWI outstanding legislation

The Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure met to receive briefings from the Council for the Built Environment (CBE), the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) on two key matters: the findings of the forensic investigation into the George building collapse of May 2024, and progress on the Department’s approved legislative programme for the 7th Administration. The Committee expressed disappointment with the briefing on the George building collapse, noting that the forensic report had been withheld due to its sensitive nature and would have to be viewed in camera. Members emphasised that the tragedy, which claimed multiple lives and caused injuries, highlighted serious weaknesses in the country's regulatory framework, professional accountability, and municipal oversight processes. The Chairperson of the Committee lamented that the Committee was still unable to receive clear answers on who was responsible for the collapse. Members raised questions about the approval of additional storeys, the registration and qualifications of contractors, the quality of construction materials, and whether survivors had been formally engaged as part of the investigation. Concerns were also expressed about regulatory loopholes that allow private developers to bypass registration and oversight requirements. The Committee further noted its disappointment with the continued absence of the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr Dean Macpherson, who had again tendered a letter of apology citing constituency engagements. The Committee resolved that the matter would be escalated to the Office of the Speaker of the National Assembly to ensure ministerial accountability to Parliament. Turning to the legislative programme, the Committee welcomed the Department’s progress on the four key Bills currently under development but stressed the urgency of finalising them. Members highlighted that these Bills are critical to strengthening the regulatory environment, closing systemic gaps, and preventing future tragedies of this nature. In its resolutions, the Committee agreed that the forensic report must be presented in camera at the next meeting and that DPWI must provide quarterly progress updates on the legislative programme, together with clear timelines for completion. The Committee further resolved that a multi-stakeholder meeting be convened with relevant departments, including Human Settlements, Home Affairs, Employment and Labour, and the South African Police Service, to address systemic failures and improve coordination. In addition, the Committee requested an interim safety plan to prevent further structural failures and a detailed report on accountability measures taken against contractors and officials implicated in the collapse. In conclusion, the Chairperson affirmed that the George collapse was a preventable tragedy that underscored the need for urgent reform. She committed the Committee to rigorous oversight, legislative reform, and ensuring that accountability measures are enforced to prevent such incidents from recurring.