The National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) notes with deep concern the tragic building collapse in Ormonde.

This unfortunate incident resulted in the loss of nine lives, while three individuals sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical care in hospital. Twelve individuals were believed to have been inside the building at the time of the collapse, and all have now been accounted for. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wish those injured a full and speedy recovery.

Municipal Regulatory
The City of Johannesburg is leading the investigation from a municipal governance and compliance perspective. The municipality will provide the investigating authorities with the approved building plans and all documentation submitted in terms of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act.

The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) will assess the approved structural design prepared by the appointed engineer. This assessment will determine whether the collapse resulted from:
1. A structural design failure
2. A material defect
3. A technical engineering deficiency
4. Or any breach of professional standards and code of conduct
5. Construction and Project Management Oversight

The South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) regulates construction managers, project managers, and construction health and safety professionals. Where applicable, SACPCMP will assess whether registered professionals involved in the project complied with statutory obligations, site supervision requirements, and professional standards.

Contractor Registration and Compliance
The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) is responsible for regulating contractor registration and grading in South Africa. In this matter, CIDB may assess:
1. Whether the contractor was properly registered
2. Whether the contractor operated within the correct grading designation
3. Compliance with procurement and construction regulatory requirements
4. Role of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) provides policy oversight of the built environment sector. Through its oversight of entities such as the Council for the Built Environment and CIDB, the Department ensures alignment of regulatory frameworks governing professional conduct, construction standards, and infrastructure delivery. For non-residential structures, including commercial, institutional, industrial, religious, or public buildings, broader built environment regulatory oversight falls within this framework.

The Council for the Built Environment (CBE), operating under the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), is tasked with investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine whether professional negligence, contravention of mandatory standards, or professional misconduct occurred.

The CBE coordinates and oversees the six built environment professional councils and ensures regulatory alignment across the sector. Where systemic professional or regulatory concerns arise, the CBE may exercise oversight and facilitate appropriate disciplinary or corrective processes through the relevant professional councils.

NHBRC Mandate and Jurisdiction
The NHBRC is established in terms of the Housing Consumers Protection Measures Act and regulates the home building industry in South Africa. Its mandate is specific to residential housing and includes:
1. Registration of home builders
2. Enrolment of new residential homes prior to construction
3. Inspection of enrolled homes during construction
4. Enforcement of technical housing standards
5. Protection of housing consumers against defined structural defects

Should the Ormonde structure fall within the definition of a residential housing development, the NHBRC will assess compliance with enrolment and technical standards requirements.

Way Forward
The National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) is committed to providing support as various relevant authorities come together to conduct a comprehensive, impartial, and evidence-based investigation. This collaborative effort aims to thoroughly examine the matters at hand, with the findings playing a crucial role in ascertaining accountability and the way forward. The results of this investigation will guide any necessary regulatory actions or corrective interventions that may be required.

It is important that we allow the investigation to be carried out effectively and fairly, NHBRC commits to continue efforts towards improving the quality in the sector.

For more Information please contact:
Isaac Vusimuzi Hartley
Cell 0817587794
email Isaach@nhbrc.org.za

Sicelo Thuketane
Office of the CEO Information & Stakeholder Management
SiceloT@nhbrc.org.za
011 317 0105
Head Office,
Sunninghill
27 Leeuwkop Road,
Johannesburg