Parliament, Tuesday, 3 March 2026 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure, Ms Carol Phiri, has expressed deep sorrow and concern over the tragic death of nine construction workers in Ormonde, Johannesburg, after a building collapsed on Monday, 2 March 2026.
Ms Phiri said the loss of life is devastating and unacceptable, especially as similar incidents continue to occur in the construction sector. “It is heartbreaking to lose workers in this manner. These were not just labourers on a site, they were fathers, brothers, uncles, and sons. They are breadwinners. They are the very people we depend on when we speak about building our country and growing our infrastructure. Their lives cannot be treated as disposable,” she said.
Ms Phiri said there are serious concerns about safety compliance and negligence in the sector. She said repeated construction-related deaths point to weak enforcement, poor oversight, and a culture of cutting corners. “We have to do better. We are not calling for unnecessary red tape, but we cannot allow human lives to be lost because of greed and reckless behaviour. This tragedy could have been prevented. It is deeply troubling that there are those who are willing to gamble with other people’s lives for profit.”
Ms Phiri emphasised that the nationality of the workers is irrelevant, every worker deserves protection and dignity. “Whether local or foreign, every worker has the right to return home safely. We must protect workers from an oversaturated market filled with unscrupulous developers and construction companies who collude to bypass safety standards. When corners are cut, workers pay with their lives. There must be clear consequences and firm repercussions for those responsible.”
Ms Phiri said professionals within the built environment sector need to strengthen oversight and reclaim ethical leadership in the industry. “This is the moment for construction industry professionals to step forward and strengthen oversight. Compliance with building regulations and municipal by-laws is not optional. It is a matter of life and death.”
Ms Phiri also called upon the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality led by Mayor Dada Morero to exercise decisive leadership to ensure strict compliance within the built environment sector. “Developers cannot continue to put profits before people. Municipal by-laws and safety regulations exist to protect lives. They must be enforced without fear or favour.”
The committee extends its deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and fellow workers of the deceased. May their souls rest in peace.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE, MS CAROL PHIRI.
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