MEDIA STATEMENT

Date: 10 May 2024
To: All media
Embargo: For Immediate Release

Grave Concern Expressed Over Western Cape Building Collapse

The Council for the Built Environment (CBE), on behalf of all of the South African Councils for the Built Environment Professions (CBEP); South African Council for Project and Construction Management (SACPCMP), Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), South African Council for the Landscape Architectural Profession (SACLAP), South African Council for the Architectural Profession(SACAP), SA Council for the Property Valuers Profession (SACPVP), South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP), South African Council for Planners (SACPLAN), Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa (EAPASA) and South African Geomatic Council (SAGC)has expressed grave concern regarding the collapse of a building under construction that took place in the George in the Western Cape this week.

A number of people were on site at the time of the collapse resulting in many site employees being trapped under the rubble. While rescue efforts and support from various entities to support those affected by the incident have been encouraging, this tragic collapse has caused injury and death to many who were involved in the project.

In response to the incident, the CBE and its Councils (CBEP) extended its condolences to those who lost loved ones as a result of the collapse and commends the rescue efforts that were swiftly put in place.

“The loss of life or the occurrence of injury is tragic and far-reaching under any circumstance. But for this to happen when one is at one’s workplace, where employees should be supported and protected, is heart-breaking,” said Dr Msizi Myeza, the Chief Executive Office of the CBE.

“Our collective mandate, as entities of the Built Environment is the protection of the public. Mitigating the collapse of structures through the adherence to the necessary project construction management, architectural and engineering standards in terms of quality, competence and safety is of the utmost importance,” he said.

To determine the root cause of the collapse, as well as any possible contributing factors, the CBE will work with representatives of the CBEP’ over the next weeks, in collaboration with the Department of Employment and Labour and other relevant entities, including law enforcement authorities.

“There could be a number of issues that resulted in this incident, and it is important to understand what led to this tragic outcome,” said Dr Myeza. “As regulatory representatives of the Built Environment, we need to understand the extent to which competent professionals are providing the necessary experience and skills to ensure that projects are executed safely and within the guidelines of quality-control necessary to keep each and every person who sets foot on a construction site away from harm.

ENDS

About the CBE:

The Council for the Built Environment (CBE) is a Schedule 3A Public Entity that reports to the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. It is a regulatory body established under the Council for the Built Environment Act 43 of 2000 (the CBE Act) that coordinates the following six Councils for the Built Environment Professions – Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Engineering, Property Valuers, Project and Construction Management, and Quantity Surveying – and through memoranda of understanding these include Town and Regional Planning, Land Surveying, and Environmental Assessment.

The CBE was established for the purpose of instilling good conduct within the Built Environment Professions, mobilising transformation in the Built Environment Professions, protecting the interest of the public in the Built Environment and advising the South African Government on Built Environment related issues. For more information visit: www.cbe.org.za

Issued by:
Dr Msizi Myeza
Chief Executive Officer
Council for the Built Environment
Tel: 012 346 3985
www.cbe.org.za

Enquiries:
Ms Nosizwe Mokoena
Strategic Support and Engagement Specialist
Mobile : 078 415 9211
Email : nosizwe@cbe.org.za

Ms Sinah Ndala
Communications Associate
Mobile : 078 423 1942
Email : sinah@cbe.org.za