The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) is devastated by reports that at least six construction workers have lost their lives following a building collapse in Johannesburg South, in the Omonde area. Reports indicate that additional workers may still be trapped beneath the rubble.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends and co-workers of the deceased. We also send strength and solidarity to those who are injured, traumatised, or still awaiting news of their loved ones. No worker should ever leave home to earn a living and not return.
This tragedy is not an isolated incident. It reflects a deeper crisis in South Africa’s construction sector, one characterised by cost-cutting, weak enforcement of occupational health and safety standards, subcontracting chains designed to evade accountability, and a failure by regulatory authorities to conduct consistent inspections.
- Call for Immediate Rescue and Transparency
SAFTU calls for:
• An urgent and fully resourced rescue operation to ensure that all workers are accounted for.
• Transparent and regular public updates from emergency services and relevant authorities.
• Immediate psychosocial support for affected families and co-workers.
- Full Independent Investigation
We demand a comprehensive investigation led by the Department of Employment and Labour, with the involvement of:
• The Inspectorate for Occupational Health and Safety,
• The City of Johannesburg’s building control authorities,
• The National Prosecuting Authority where criminal negligence is suspected.
This investigation must determine:
• Whether building plans were approved and inspections conducted;
• Whether health and safety regulations were complied with;
• Whether there was criminal negligence or reckless cost-cutting;
• The full chain of contractors and subcontractors responsible for the site.
If negligence or violations are found, those responsible must face prosecution. Fines and administrative warnings are not enough. Workers’ lives cannot be treated as disposable.
- On Reports Regarding Documentation Status
Media reports have suggested that many workers on the site may have been undocumented. At this stage, we caution against spreading unverified information that could inflame xenophobic tensions.
The central issue is not nationality or documentation status. The central issue is whether employers are exploiting vulnerable workers, South African or migrant in unsafe conditions.
Workers, regardless of origin, are entitled to safe working conditions, legal protection, and human dignity. Employers who exploit undocumented labour to evade labour laws and safety standards must be held accountable. We reject any attempt to shift blame onto workers themselves.
- Structural Crisis in Construction
The construction sector has increasingly been characterised by:
• Informalisation and labour broking;
• Layers of subcontracting that obscure responsibility;
• Non-compliance with safety regulations;
• Inadequate site inspections due to capacity constraints.
This is a systemic problem. It requires systemic intervention.
- SAFTU’s Demands
SAFTU calls for:
1. A national audit of high-risk construction sites.
2. Strengthening and expansion of the Labour Inspectorate.
3. Criminal liability for directors and site managers in cases of fatal negligence.
4. Protection for whistle-blowers who report unsafe conditions.
5. Union access to construction sites to monitor health and safety compliance.
- Solidarity and Vigilance
We stand in unwavering solidarity with the affected families.
SAFTU will monitor this matter closely and will not hesitate to mobilise if there is any attempt to cover up wrongdoing.
This tragedy must not be reduced to a headline that fades in a few days. It must become a turning point in how we treat construction workers in this country.
Workers are not expendable.
Profit cannot come before life.
A statement was issued on behalf of SAFTU by the General Secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi.
For media inquiries, contact the National Spokesperson at
Newton Masuku
newtonm@saftu.org.za
0661682157
Media Officer
Asive Dyani
0719019564
