Johannesburg authorities have confirmed that the building that collapsed in Ormonde, claiming nine lives, was illegally constructed, bypassing all required approvals and development procedures.
Preliminary investigations indicate that owners and developers failed to comply with city regulations, highlighting a systemic disregard for the rule of law in urban development.
The tragedy has exposed the deadly consequences of unregulated development and neglect of municipal by-laws.
In response, the City of Johannesburg, under the leadership of the MMC for Development Planning, the City Manager, and the newly elected Deputy Executive Mayor, has announced immediate and decisive measures to prevent a recurrence.
MMC for Development Planning Cllr Eunice Mgcina said: “This catastrophe underscores that there is too much lawlessness in our city. We will not tolerate illegal development. We are here to protect the lives of our residents. We will indicate our intentions clearly and act decisively. The ball is in our court, and we accept this responsibility with the seriousness it deserves.”
City Manager Dr Floyd Brink described the collapse as preventable and said it was as much an oversight failure as a structural one:
“Ormonde was a tragedy that could have been prevented. More than a structural failure, this was an oversight failure and we must confront that truth. There is a thin line between a thriving urban landscape and a catastrophic disaster. We must treat every sign-off as an oath to protect lives.”
Brink further outlined a set of immediate actions by the City, including a full city-wide audit of all developments to identify non-compliant projects, blacklisting and prosecuting developers who fail to meet regulatory standards, and verifying and enforcing compliance at every stage of development to safeguard the public. He also emphasised direct enforcement on the streets, eliminating bureaucratic delays and ensuring strict adherence to all by-laws.
“If you protect our people, the City Manager’s Office will protect you,” Brink added.
Deputy Executive Mayor Cllr Loyiso Masuku also spoke on staff accountability and public trust:
“We acknowledge the difficult and often intimidating conditions under which staff work. Leadership is not oblivious. We will support our staff while insisting on the highest standards of compliance and professional responsibility. Never turn a blind eye; our commitment is to protect our people, restore public trust, and ensure every role in this city is treated as a priority.”
The City of Johannesburg has outlined several urgent measures in response to the Ormonde building collapse, including the immediate enforcement of development planning laws across all zones and a zero-tolerance approach to illegal or unapproved developments, with developers held fully accountable.
The City also plans to strengthen controls, monitoring, and compliance checks at every stage of the development process, implement comprehensive organisational reforms to prioritise safety, transparency, and public protection, and provide continued support to affected families through counselling services and coordination with relevant social services.
City officials have also called on residents, civil society, professionals, and stakeholders to collaborate in rebuilding trust and confidence, committing to transparency, integrity, and urgency in enforcement.
At this time, the death toll stands at nine. The City extended its condolences to the families and loved ones of those who perished, as well as thoughts and support for the injured and grieving community. In an official statement, the City said: “This catastrophe has shaken our city, and it is clear that the consequences of negligence and lawlessness can be fatal. This was not simply a structural failure; it was a failure of oversight, process, and accountability. The City acknowledges that this tragedy could have been prevented. On behalf of the City of Johannesburg, we extend our profound sympathy to the families of the deceased, those injured, and the entire Ormonde community. We recognise the pain and anguish being experienced across our city, and we stand united in grief and resolve.”
Saturday Star
