Parliament, Wednesday, 26 November 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour has welcomed the completion of investigations into the tragic building collapse in George on 6 May 2024. The committee also acknowledges that the investigation report, along with relevant statements, documents and information gathered, has been submitted to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in line with Section 31(2)(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993.
The incident, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of 77 workers, occurred at a construction site located at 75 Victoria Street.
The committee was briefed by the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) on Wednesday on the findings of the investigation. The incident triggered a formal inquiry in terms of Section 32 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which empowers the Chief Inspector to investigate any workplace-related incident that results, or could have resulted, in injury, illness or death.
The DEL, through the Compensation Fund, has processed social protection claims in accordance with Section 27 of the Constitution of South Africa. Of the 68 claims received, 28 are fatal claims, while 40 are injury on duty (IOD) claims. Of particular concern, 15 claims were filed by South African citizens, while the remaining 53 claims came from foreign nationals without valid work permits. These foreign nationals have been confirmed by the Department of Home Affairs as being illegal immigrants.
The committee Chairperson, Mr Boyce Maneli, said that the tragic incident highlights the dire need for strict adherence to South African labour laws, particularly in the construction industry. “The high number of undocumented foreign nationals affected by the collapse speaks to a worrying disregard for our country’s legal and regulatory frameworks by some employers. It is imperative that employers comply with South African laws, and we call on the NPA to take swift and decisive action to ensure justice is served,” said Mr Maneli.
The committee said it anticipates that the NPA will decide to prosecute in this matter and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that justice is done for the victims and their families. It further expressed concern over the increasing trend of employing foreign nationals without proper work documentation across various sectors.
This, in the committee’s view, undermines efforts to ensure decent work for South African citizens. The committee will continue to monitor the progress of the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings (if any), and it remains resolute in its pursuit of justice and accountability in relation to this incident.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT AND LABOUR, MR BOYCE MANELI.
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Email: jmolafo@parliament.gov.za
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