Key Takeaways
- The Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) conducted an inspection at China Mall on Umgeni Road, eThekwini, to ensure compliance with building safety standards.
- The inspection revealed alarming violations of prohibition notices, including ongoing construction work on the first and second floors despite a previous notice to halt work.
- The owners of the building were issued with a second prohibition notice and face prosecution for failing to comply with the initial notice.
- The inspection also uncovered several Occupational Health and Safety contraventions, including floors made of shutter boards instead of concrete slabs and lack of load testing on the foundation.
- The DEL emphasized the importance of complying with prohibition notices and respecting the authority of law enforcement agencies during inspections.
Introduction to the Inspection
The Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) recently conducted an inspection at China Mall on Umgeni Road, eThekwini, to ensure that the building meets the required safety standards. The inspection was led by Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya, who was accompanied by a team of inspectors and representatives from the Office of eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba. The purpose of the inspection was to enforce compliance with labour laws and ensure that the construction work being carried out at the site does not pose a risk to public safety.
Violations of Prohibition Notices
The inspection revealed that the owners of the building had violated the prohibition notices issued by the DEL in February 2025. Despite being instructed to halt construction work on the first and second floors until certain conditions were met, the owners had continued with the work, adding new beams and structures to the building. This blatant disregard for the prohibition notice has raised concerns about the safety of the building and the potential risks it poses to the public. The DEL has issued a second prohibition notice to the owners, and they will face prosecution for failing to comply with the initial notice.
Occupational Health and Safety Contraventions
The inspection also uncovered several Occupational Health and Safety contraventions at the construction site. One of the major concerns was that the floors were made of shutter boards instead of concrete slabs, which is a clear violation of building safety standards. Additionally, no load testing had been conducted on the foundation for the two additional floors, which raises concerns about the structural integrity of the building. These contraventions highlight the need for stricter enforcement of building safety standards to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.
Importance of Compliance
Deputy Minister Sibiya emphasized the importance of complying with prohibition notices and respecting the authority of law enforcement agencies during inspections. He stated that the DEL will not tolerate any attempts to interfere with their work or disregard for the law. Sibiya also made it clear that the owners do not need to be informed of future inspections, and that staff should not interfere with the work of the inspectors. This sends a strong message that the DEL is committed to upholding building safety standards and will take action against those who fail to comply.
Response from the Owners
During the inspection, one of the owners suggested that they should be informed of future inspections. However, Sibiya made it clear that this was not necessary and that the DEL has the authority to conduct inspections without prior notice. The owner also claimed that the reason for the confusion was that the owner did not understand English, but Sibiya emphasized that this was not an excuse for non-compliance. The DEL has made it clear that it will proceed with prosecution for failing to comply with the February 2025 notices, and the owners will be held accountable for their actions.
Conclusion
The inspection at China Mall on Umgeni Road, eThekwini, highlights the importance of enforcing building safety standards and complying with prohibition notices. The DEL has demonstrated its commitment to upholding these standards and will take action against those who fail to comply. The case serves as a reminder to building owners and contractors of the importance of prioritizing public safety and respecting the authority of law enforcement agencies. By taking a strong stance against non-compliance, the DEL is helping to prevent accidents and ensure that buildings are safe for occupation.