WATCH: Ceiling section collapses at Northgate Mall after heavy rain

Northgate Shopping Centre in northern Johannesburg has confirmed that a small section of its ceiling collapsed following heavy rainfall, but no injuries were reported.

In a media statement, the shopping centre said the incident occurred after severe weather affected the area. 

Videos of the collapse have since circulated widely on social media, raising public concern.

According to reports, the collapse happened along the internal walkway between Entrance 2 and the Pick n Pay store, near Value Co, on December 27.

Only a limited area was reportedly affected.

“No injuries were reported, and all affected areas were immediately secured and cordoned off as a precautionary measure,” the shopping centre said.

Northgate Mall remains open and is trading as normal.

Initial assessments indicate that severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and hail over a short period, led to water buildup in box gutters. This caused water to overflow and resulted in an isolated, partial ceiling collapse.

“Importantly, there has been no damage to the roof structure itself, and the overall integrity of the building remains sound,” the statement said.

The centre added that its facilities and technical teams, along with relevant specialists, are assessing the affected area and surrounding sections to determine and carry out necessary repairs safely and efficiently.

“The safety and wellbeing of our shoppers, tenants and staff remain our highest priority, and all appropriate safety protocols are in place,” the centre said, adding that it would continue to provide verified updates as assessments progress.

The incident occurred amid widespread severe weather warnings issued by the South African Weather Service. 

On Saturday, December 27, a yellow level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms was issued for several provinces, including Gauteng, North West, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, the eastern Free State and western KwaZulu-Natal.

The Weather Service warned of heavy downpours that could lead to localized flooding of roads, settlements and low-lying areas, as well as excessive lightning and small hail.

More severe weather was forecast to follow, with Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga later placed under a yellow level 4 warning from Sunday, December 28, to Monday, December 29. 

The alert warned of potentially dangerous conditions, including flooding, strong damaging winds, excessive lightning and large amounts of small hail.

The Weather Service cautioned that the storms could result in road closures, damage to infrastructure and property, and disruptions to daily life across affected regions.

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