George building disaster: 1-year commemoration
Today marks the one-year anniversary of the tragedy that struck in Victoria Street in George, when a five-storey apartment complex collapsed while 62 construction workers were on site.
George Herald reports that at 14:09, the entire building came down in less than five seconds, burying the workers on site. Thirty-four workers lost their lives that day. Only 28 survived, some with permanent injuries.
A memorial service will be held today to mark the first anniversary of the Victoria Street building collapse – South Africa's deadliest construction disaster.
The event will honour the memory of the 34 lives lost and offer a space for healing for the families, survivors and the wider George community.
The service will take place from 13:30 to 15:30 at the main municipal hall in York Street. Doors open at 13:00, and seating will be limited to the first 500 attendees on a first-come, first-served basis.
Minister to mark one-year anniversary
According to SAnews, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson will participate in the commemoration of the one-year anniversary.
'The Minister will hold a private engagement with family members ahead of the event to brief them on progress being made towards the conclusion of reports under the domain of the department,' the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure said.
Last month, an independent forensic investigation into the building collapse in the Western Cape revealed systemic failures at multiple levels.
The report cites widespread non-compliance with regulatory standards and mismanagement by both the National Home Builders Registration Council and project personnel as key causes of the incident.
The findings, presented by Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane revealed a series of procedural and structural failures, including irregular project enrolment, inspection lapses, poor material quality, and violations of occupational health and safety protocols.
Macpherson is scheduled to speak at the George Town Hall at 13:45.
President Cyril Ramaphosa was among those who visited the site of the tragedy last year.
At the time of his visit, the president assured the bereaved families that government will leave no stone unturned and will ensure accountability.
'It will take some time for all aspects of this disaster to be properly tied together… I can assure you that the seriousness in which this matter is being [dealt with] will lead to the truth coming out,' the president said.
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