Seventy-five construction employees were on site when the multi-storey apartment complex collapsed in George. Image credit: Kayleen Morgan/Eyewitness News
(The Post News) – The collapse of a five-storey apartment building in George, Western Cape, which killed 34 people and injured 28 others in May 2024, continues to draw national scrutiny.
Recent findings suggest the disaster could have been avoided had construction protocols been properly followed, prompting Members of Parliament (MPs) to grill the George Municipality over its handling of the case.
Parliament Convenes
The municipality’s representative, Godfrey Louw, repeatedly deferred questions to legal advisors, citing restrictions on commenting due to ongoing investigations. This approach frustrated lawmakers, who demanded transparency and accountability.
EFF MP Mbali Dlamini voiced concern, saying, “We are trying to find answers for the families who lost loved ones.”
Investigations revealed serious breaches in construction standards, including the use of unqualified personnel, false declarations, and irregular registration practices.
George Municipality Withdraws
In a surprising development, the George Municipality has withdrawn its nearly R10 million claim against the owners of the collapsed building.
According to SABC News, municipal spokesperson Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe confirmed the decision, citing the liquidation of the company that owned the property. With the site now set to be auctioned later this month, the municipality acknowledged that pursuing the claim would be legally futile.
“Any outstanding municipal claims do not stop the auction from proceeding. Any new owner that buys the property will not be allowed to continue to use the previously approved plans. Those plans are no longer valid and must be resubmitted for formal approval by the municipality in line with the National Building Regulations,” said Mangqwengqwe.
News24 reported that MPs accused the George Municipality of evading critical questions during a parliamentary briefing on the building collapse.
Municipal officials repeatedly deferred questions to their legal team, MPs expressed frustration over the lack of transparency, with some saying the municipality’s responses were vague and unhelpful to families seeking accountability.
EFF MP Mbali Dlamini criticised the evasiveness, stating that the approach was not assisting Parliament in uncovering the truth behind the tragedy.
Labour Department
Meanwhile, the Department of Employment and Labour reported receiving 77 compensation claims from victims and their families, including 28 fatal claims.
Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya assured Parliament that the department is working to process these claims swiftly and provide support to those affected.
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