While no injuries were reported following the incident over the weekend at an office park in Mahikeng, which houses key administrative directorates including financial management, salaries, and accounting, it has raised serious questions about the structural stability of government buildings. North West health spokesperson Tshegofatso Mothibedi confirmed the collapse and outlined immediate measures taken in response, including steps to safeguard employees and secure the building.

The department of employment and labour was also notified. An on-site inspection was conducted on Monday (13/10) to assess compliance with occupational health and safety standards.

The incident over the weekend has raised serious questions about the structural stability of government buildings. Photo: Facebook

The Public Servants Association (PSA), which represents many of the department’s employees, welcomed the department’s quick liaison with labour authorities and inclusion of union representatives in the inspection. But the PSA’s Zhulfa Graaff expressed deep concern over what it views as systemic neglect. 

“The PSA has repeatedly raised this issue without sufficient remedial action by the employer. Whilst (we are) relieved no employees were injured, it must be noted this was merely a matter of circumstance rather than any proactive safety management.”

Graaff pointed to long-standing issues, such as roof leakages and ceiling instability, noting these were not new or unforeseen problems. “The department’s delayed and inadequate maintenance practices have created an environment where employee safety is continuously compromised.”

An on-site inspection was conducted on Monday to assess compliance with occupational health and safety standards. Photo: X

The department temporarily closed off the affected area and commissioned a structural engineer to conduct a full assessment. 

While acknowledging these actions as positive steps, Graaff warned the PSA remains critical of the department’s consistent failure to act promptly on prior warnings regarding roof leakages, ceiling instability, and other serious occupational health and safety hazards.

She cautioned against any premature return to the premises, stating any effort to prematurely return employees to an unsafe environment will be met with decisive and formal action, including possible legal recourse, to safeguard all affected employees.

Comprehensive strategy needed

PSA called on the department to urgently implement a comprehensive maintenance and risk-prevention strategy, with transparency and ongoing consultation with organised labour.

Meanwhile, North West health MEC, Sello Lehari, assured both staff and the public of the department’s commitment to safety. “The safety and well-being of our employees remain our top priority.

“We are treating this incident with the urgency it deserves and will ensure no staff member is placed at risk. We are working closely with relevant authorities to resolve this.”

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh