Johannesburg – President Cyril Ramaphosa has offered his deep condolences to the families of reportedly six people who died when a building collapsed in Ormonde, Johannesburg, earlier today, Monday, 2 March 2026.
“The President’s thoughts also go out to survivors, some of whom are still trapped in the rubble of the business park premises,” Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President.
“President Ramaphosa expects an inquiry into the collapse will provide answers to the families of the deceased and to survivors, and that such an inquiry will help to prevent a recurrence of a tragedy such as this.
“The President also appreciates the urgency with which rescue teams are undertaking their urgent tasks.”
At least six construction workers were killed on Monday when a two-storey building under construction partially collapsed in Ormonde, south of Johannesburg, trapping others beneath rubble.
The incident occurred at Amethyst Business Park on Amethyst Road.
Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) spokesperson Xolile Khumalo said indications were that a concrete slab separating the floors gave way and brought down part of the first floor.
Twelve people were reportedly in the building at the time, all construction workers involved in the project, believed to be a factory or office block development.
Six were pronounced dead at the scene or shortly after, while one was rescued alive.
Two remain trapped under debris, and three were missing and unaccounted for, according to City of Johannesburg mayoral committee member for community safety Mgcini Tshwaku and updated EMS reports.
Rescue teams, including specialised search-and-rescue technicians, continued operations into the evening, using heavy equipment and sniffer dogs to locate survivors amid unstable rubble.
Officials warned that the number of fatalities could rise as efforts progress.
Preliminary investigations point to the collapse of the intervening concrete slab during ongoing construction, though the exact cause—whether poor materials, design flaws, or construction errors—remains under determination.
Authorities have secured the site and prioritized life-saving operations over immediate forensic analysis.
The tragedy has renewed concerns about construction safety standards in the city.
Local officials expressed condolences to the victims’ families and pledged a full inquiry.
Emergency services urged the public to avoid the area to allow unimpeded access for responders.
As of late Monday, search operations were ongoing with additional resources mobilised.
