The Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour, Jomo Sibiya, has on Tuesday (03 March 2026), conducted an on-site inspection in Ormonde following the collapse of a warehouse structure.

The Deputy Minister described the incident as deeply unfortunate and reiterated that non-compliance with occupational health and safety standards (OHS) and municipal regulations places lives at serious risk.

He confirmed that the Department of Employment and Labour will institute a Section 31 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act which provides for a formal investigation into workplace incidents, to determine the cause of the collapse and establish whether there were violations of occupational health and safety legislation. Preliminary observations indicate serious compliance concerns, including the alleged failure to submit approved building plans.

The Department's inspection and enforcement unit, supported by construction health and safety specialists, will lead the investigation in collaboration with the City and the South African Police Service once the site has been formally handed over.

Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya stressed that compliance with labour and municipal laws is not optional.

“Every worker who leaves home for work must return safely. Where there is evidence of wrongdoing, decisive action will be taken," he said, adding that penalties, including possible prosecution, will be considered based on the findings of the investigation.

“The Department will ensure that all qualifying claims are processed without delay and that the necessary social security support is provided," said the deputy Minister.

City of Johannesburg, Executive Mayor Councillor Dada Morero, noted that while no authority can guarantee that such incidents will never occur again, government remains committed in addressing the root causes, particularly non-compliance by some developers and companies.

He indicated that, unlike other cases where buildings were later declared unfit for occupation, this matter appears to involve clear non-compliance from the outset. There are strong indications that approved building plans were not submitted and that the structure may have been erected in a restricted area, including near power lines.

The City has committed to taking action against those responsible and has emphasised that all construction activities, including residential extensions, must adhere to municipal by-laws and national regulations. The MMC for Development Planning, Sibongile Eunice Mgcina will undertake a compliance verification exercise in the surrounding area, where several industrial facilities are emerging.

The Mayor further stated that compliance inspections form part of ongoing mayoral high-impact service delivery operations, which address building control, service payments and adherence to regulations. He underscored that enforcement will be applied fairly and consistently, without regard to race, and that any party found to have contravened the law will be held accountable.

Deputy Minister Sibiya was emphatic when briefing citizens through the media  that the department of employment and labour  will  clamp down on the level of non-compliance. To ensure every worker are protected.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Teboho Thejane

Departmental Spokesperson

082 697 0694/ teboho.thejane@labour.gov.za

-ENDS-

Issued by: Department of Employment and Labour

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