Minister urges patience amid George building collapse investigation
Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi is calling for patience as investigations continue into the collapse of a multi-story building in George on Monday afternoon. Speaking at the scene, Nxesi emphasized the importance of engaging with the families of the workers affected by the tragedy.
“In a matter as sensitive as this, we cannot rush the process. Investigations require thoroughness,” stated Minister Nxesi. “We must allow the authorities time to conduct their inquiries. We cannot predict when the site will be handed over to us, nor can we determine a definitive timeline for the investigation.”
Addressing concerns about the nationalities of the victims, Minister Nxesi emphasized that regardless of nationality, all individuals have rights that must be protected. “This is about human beings, irrespective of their status or origin,” he affirmed.
The incident has led to a rise in the death toll, with rescue efforts ongoing to locate individuals still trapped beneath the rubble. According to officials, there were 81 personnel at the site during the collapse, with 75 reported earlier. Currently, there are 9 confirmed fatalities and 44 individuals still unaccounted for.
The building, which was under construction at the time, saw 37 people successfully rescued. The emergency response team is deploying additional resources, including concrete breakers and trucks, to expedite the removal of debris from the site.
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