The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) has levelled charges against an ECSA-registered person, referred to as the “Respondent”, implicated in the George building collapse of 6 May 2024. Announced on 22 July 2025, the charges follow the suspension of the Respondent’s registration in June 2024, and a disciplinary tribunal has now found the Respondent guilty on all counts.

Background to the George building collapse case

The suspension was informed by a decision of a disciplinary tribunal convened by ECSA in terms of Section 30 of the Engineering Profession Act, 46 of 2000, as amended. The charges were brought in terms of Section 29 of the Act and are informed by the findings of the investigation report into the collapse and the possible improper conduct of any ECSA-registered persons.

The George building collapse complaint was the third complaint received by the ECSA Governing Council relating to the conduct of the Respondent. A first complaint in 2019 was closed after the investigating committee concluded there was insufficient evidence of a breach of ECSA’s Code of Conduct for Registered Persons (Government Gazette No. 40691, 17 March 2017, Board Notice 41 of 2017). A subsequent complaint lodged in December 2023 led the Tribunal to find the Respondent guilty of contravening Rules 3.1(a) and 3.1(c) of the Code of Conduct.

Charges preferred

The Respondent was charged with five violations of the Code of Conduct and the Code of Practice for the Performance of Engineering Work (Government Gazette No. 44333, 26 March 2021, Board Notice 20 of 2021):

  • Contravention of Rule 3.1(a) – Failure to discharge duties to employers, clients, associates and the public with due care, skill, and diligence;
  • Contravention of Rule 3.1(c) – Failure to adhere to professional norms when carrying out work;
  • Contravention of Rule 3.2(g) – Misrepresentation, or knowingly permitting misrepresentation, of academic or professional qualifications or competency;
  • Contravention of Rule 3.3(a) – Failure to give due regard to and prioritise the health, safety, and interests of the public; and
  • Contravention of Rule 8.1 of the Code of Practice – Failure to comply with relevant legislation, including the Engineering Profession Act 46 of 2000, the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993, the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act 103 of 1977, the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998, and the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998.

Proceedings and sanctions

On 7 March 2025, ECSA received formal notice from the Respondent’s legal representative confirming the Respondent’s election not to participate in the hearing, with the instruction that proceedings continue in his absence. The hearing, held on 29 and 30 May 2025, proceeded in absentia, and a plea of not guilty was entered on the Respondent’s behalf. The Tribunal, comprising an admitted attorney as Chairperson and two suitably qualified ECSA-registered persons, heard expert evidence and found the Respondent guilty on all five charges.

The Tribunal imposed A maximum permissible fine calculated in terms of the Adjustment of Fines Act,1991 and the cancellation of the Respondent’s registration and the removal of their name from the ECSA register.

Referral for criminal investigation

ECSA says it has maintained active cooperation with law enforcement from the outset. The disciplinary ruling, investigation report and supporting evidence have been referred to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for further investigation and action in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977.

ECSA extends its deepest sympathies to the families who lost their loved ones, those who were injured and everyone in the George community affected by this devastating tragedy. We are willing to co-operate with any affected people who intend to pursue legal action against the Respondent.

Original Press Release

About ECSA

The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) is the statutory body established under the Engineering Profession Act, 46 of 2000, mandated to regulate the engineering profession in South Africa. ECSA is responsible for the accreditation of engineering programmes, the registration of engineering practitioners, and upholding professional and ethical standards across the profession.

Issued by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).

ECSA Media Contact

Sybil Dlamini, Manager: Marketing and Communication
Email: sybil@ecsa.co.za | Tel: 073 623 8275
Website: www.ecsa.co.za

This article is based on an official ECSA press release. Read the original statement.