The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) has launched an Ormonde building collapse investigation, appointing a structural engineer to probe the engineering aspects of the incident. On Wednesday, 3 March 2026, ECSA joined the Minister of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), Mr Dean Macphearson, to visit the site of the recently collapsed building in Ormonde, Johannesburg South, Gauteng.
Site Visit and Assessment of the Collapse
The visit sought to assess the circumstances surrounding the collapse and the extent of the damage. During the site visit, the delegation received briefings from emergency response teams and authorities involved in the rescue operations, as well as preliminary information regarding the incident and the response efforts underway.
ECSA’s Ormonde Building Collapse Investigation
In accordance with its mandate under the Engineering Profession Act, 46 of 2000, ECSA has appointed a structural engineer and has initiated an investigation probing the engineering aspects associated with this incident. As the statutory body responsible for regulating the engineering profession in South Africa and ensuring that Registered Persons adhere to the required professional standards, ECSA will assess all relevant information relating to the engineering oversight associated with the project.
Should the investigation determine that any registered engineering professional(s) failed to comply with the standards of professional conduct prescribed under the Act, the Council will take the necessary regulatory and disciplinary steps in accordance with its legislative mandate.
A Thorough, Fair and Transparent Process
ECSA remains committed to conducting its investigation in a thorough, fair, and transparent manner while adhering to the principles of legality, reasonableness, and procedural fairness. The primary responsibility of ECSA remains the protection of the public and the promotion of engineering excellence in South Africa.
Speaking on behalf of ECSA, Ms Tabisa Mtati, Acting Chief Executive Officer, noted:
“ECSA extends its sincere sympathies to the families who lost their loved ones and to individuals who sustained injuries on site. Our thoughts are also with the fellow workers on site, the emergency response teams who worked tirelessly during the rescue operation, and the broader community that has been affected by this devastating event.”
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.
