Dr Andre Ballack, an engineer with Axiom Consulting who designed the structure of the doomed Mall is expected to testify before the Thongathi (Tongaat) Mall Commission of Inquiry. The Department of Labour-appointed Commission of Inquiry into the structural collapse of the Mall is set to have a two-day session starting on Monday (29 September 2014) to Tuesday.
Ballack's testimony before the Commission is expected to be preceded on Monday by a presentation on the so-called "Finite Model", which he claimed to have used to design the structure of the Mall. The presentation will take place at the engineering company's offices in Gateway near Durban. Ballack will conclude later in the day with a testimony before the Commission.
The "Finite Model" will uncover the information technology system that was used to design the structure of the columns, beams and the entire structure of the Mall.
The Commission will on Tuesday (30 September 2014) recall engineer, Rob Young who was hired to investigate the site of the doomed Mall for further cross- examination.
The Thongathi (Tongaat) Mall Commission of Inquiry was appointed following the structural collapse of the Mall that led to the death of two workers and injury to 29. The Section 32 hearing, was instituted by the Department of Labour in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act - to gather evidence on negligence that may have resulted in occupational injuries and death of workers.
The Thongathi Commission of Inquiry is held at the North Coast Town Municipality offices. The Commission is expected to have a last session before the end of October.
For more information:
Nhlanhla X. Khumalo
Cell: 074 589 9682
Tel: 031 366-2018
Email: nhlanhlax.khumalo@labour.gov.za
