COSATU condemns growing ‘lawlessness’ in construction sector

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has condemned what it describes as growing lawlessness in the construction sector. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)has condemned what it describes as growing non-compliance in the construction industry. This comes after a building collapse in Ormonde, south of Johannesburg, claimed the lives of nine workers earlier this week.

The City of Johannesburg has since confirmed that no building plans were submitted for approvalbefore construction beganat the site. The City of Johannesburg has since confirmed that no building plans were submitted for approval IOL also previously reported that Public Worksand Infrastructure Development Minister Dean Macpherson has warned that the City will demolish a collapsed building in Ormonde if the company responsible fails to come forward and take accountability, as thedeath toll rose to nine. IOL also previously reported that Public Worksand Infrastructure Development Minister Dean Macpherson has warned that the City will demolish a collapsed building in Ormonde if the company responsible fails to come forward and take accountability, as the “Each incident carries its own specific circumstances, but cumulatively we must understand what is behind these collapses and what more we can do as the government.

We must confront whether systemic conditions are allowing these tragedies to occur. This demands a crisis response,” Macpherson said. The unionsaidthe incidentshowsaworryingpattern of developersignoringthe law and safetyrules.

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“Incidents of unauthorised construction sites and/or non-compliance are increasingly becoming commonplace in the sector. In 2024, more than 60 workers fell victim to unscrupulous developers in George in the Western Cape, when a multi-story building on Victoria Lane collapsed while under construction, leaving 34 people dead and 28 injured,” The union said. “A year and a half later, in December, another building collapsed in Redcliffe, North of Durban, in KwaZulu-Natal, claiming five lives and injuring several others.”

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