By Johnathan Paoli
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has revealed that the four-storey building that collapsed in Redcliffe, north of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, was constructed without approved building plans or permits and showed clear signs of serious safety irregularities, raising the prospect of criminal liability as multiple investigations gather pace.
Addressing the media in Mayfair, Durban, on Wednesday, Macpherson said preliminary findings by the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) point to widespread non-compliance with national building regulations, substandard construction practices and potentially unlawful occupation of the structure before certification.
“Of particular concern are preliminary indications from the relevant authorities that no approved building plans were submitted, that no construction permits were issued, and that the building may have been occupied prior to the issuance of an occupation certificate. All of this would constitute serious contraventions of the National Building Regulations and Standards,” Macpherson said.
Macpherson said the absence of formal submissions meant authorities were deprived of the opportunity to inspect, monitor or intervene during construction, creating conditions for what he described as a “preventable tragedy”.
At least five people died when the structure collapsed on Friday afternoon, while several others were injured.
According to the preliminary assessment, the building was a reinforced concrete multi-storey structure with concrete columns, flat slabs and masonry walls.
The collapse occurred while concrete was being poured on the upper levels, with video footage and early evidence suggesting a sudden structural failure, likely triggered by formwork or shuttering failure during the pumping of wet concrete.
“Such failures impose abnormal dynamic loads on lower floors, loads no building is designed to withstand, resulting in a rapid and progressive collapse,” Macpherson said.
Rescue teams and inspectors also reported that concrete at the site appeared friable, while visual assessments raised concerns about misaligned structural elements and potentially substandard materials.
These findings will be subjected to further forensic testing.
Macpherson confirmed that the site has now been formally classified as a crime scene and will be handed over to the Department of Employment and Labour for statutory investigations, alongside the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other authorities.
Given the gravity of the findings, he has requested that SAPS investigators from the Western Cape, who handled the George building collapse case, assist their KwaZulu-Natal counterparts.
He said President Cyril Ramaphosa has been fully briefed and has expressed his support for strengthened criminal investigations, tighter technical oversight and coordinated action across government.
Macpherson also endorsed three immediate precautionary steps recommended by the CBE: intensified detection of illegal building activity by municipalities; requiring ready-mix concrete suppliers to notify building control bodies when large volumes are delivered; and launching community campaigns on the importance of building approvals as a public safety issue.
While stressing that the findings remain preliminary, the minister warned against normalising structural collapses in South Africa, pointing to repeated incidents in the eThekwini metropolitan area over more than a decade.
He said the tragedy highlights systemic weaknesses in built-environment regulation, where responsibility is spread across multiple departments and spheres of government.
“When systems do not operate in a coordinated manner, gaps emerge in oversight, compliance and accountability,” he said, adding that Cabinet-level consideration may be required once investigations conclude.
Responding to the report, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba welcomed the preliminary findings, saying they bring clarity and end speculation surrounding the collapse.
“As the leadership of the City, we welcome the report tabled by the Minister. While preliminary, it sheds light on critical issues that enable citizens to better understand the possible causes of this tragic incident,” Xaba said.
He assured residents that the municipality would continue to support the technical investigation to ensure it is concluded without delay and committed the City to implementing all recommendations “to the letter”.
“Such incidents have no place in our city and must never be allowed to happen again. We will support all efforts aimed at ensuring that those responsible are brought to book. This will send a strong message that similar transgressions will be met with the full might of the law,” Xaba said.
Xaba also thanked emergency services, disaster management teams and police for their rapid response and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.
The collapse occurred at a four-storey structure under construction in Verulam, reportedly linked to an extension at the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection at River Range Ranch.
The building gave way suddenly while concrete was being poured, trapping workers and congregants beneath the rubble.
Five fatalities have been confirmed, including senior members of the temple and workers on site.
Authorities have said they do not believe anyone else remains trapped.
As technical, criminal and labour-related investigations continue, Macpherson said government’s focus remains on supporting affected families, ensuring accountability and preventing a recurrence.
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