Parliament, Friday, 12 December 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure, Ms Carol Phiri, has expressed deep sadness following the collapse of a four-storey building in Redcliffe, north of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal today.
Ms Phiri said it is heartbreaking that another building has collapsed, and that some workers remain trapped under the rubble, with the possibility of lives lost as the situation continues to unfold.
“It is devastating to hear that construction workers have suffered injuries, some serious, and have been taken to hospital. As a committee, we have repeatedly raised concerns about worker safety at construction sites, especially after the George building collapse,” Ms Phiri said.
“We cannot accept a situation where construction workers are treated as if they are expendable. Their lives matter. They have children and families who depend on them. This tragedy comes at a time when people should be preparing to spend the holidays with their loved ones, not mourning them.”
Furthermore, Ms Phiri said she was deeply concerned by preliminary reports from the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality indicating that there were no building plans approved for the structure.
She added that the committee is grateful for the swift response by medical services, fire and rescue teams, and law-enforcement agencies who are on the scene.
“The committee will need to examine the causes of this building collapse as part of its 2026 committee programme. We will engage all relevant stakeholders and entities responsible for oversight in the construction sector,” Ms Phiri concluded.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE, MS CAROL PHIRI.
For media enquiries or interviews with the committee Chairperson, please contact:
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E-mail: jamajozi@parliament.gov.za
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