NUM Western Cape region media statement on the collapse of a building under construction in George

Media Statement, 09 May 2024

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) calls on the entire Construction Industry to pay attention to health and safety protocols on sites as prescribed in the Occupational Health and Safety Act. This after a construction building in George collapsed and killed eight construction workers. It is reported that 44 construction workers are still missing. 

“Such health and safety protocols should be decided and enforced by all stakeholders including labour,” said Mlondolozi Limaphi, NUM Western Cape Deputy Regional Secretary. 

“Thus, the NUM strongly believes that the unfortunate death of eight workers and the entrapment of workers under the rubble could have been avoided by all parties involved in the construction project if health and safety was a priority instead of profits. The death of these construction workers is as a result of capitalist exploitation and barbarism,” Limaphi added.

It is against this background that the NUM support a call made by the South African Communist Party (SACP) in the Western Cape for the Department of Labour and Employment to institute an independent inquiry into the cause of the collapse. The outcomes of such an inquiry must be able to hold accountable all those responsible for the collapse of a building which also led to injuries and fatalities. 

The NUM further calls on the Department of Labour and Employment to intensify sites inspectorate visits to construction sites. The absence of visits by the Department of Labour and Employment to construction sites suggest complicity to employer’s non-compliance with health and safety protocols.

The NUM leaders in the region will today 9 May 2024 join the Department of Labour and Employment in George.

Lastly, the NUM send heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased workers and wish the injured workers speedy recovery.

For more detailed information, please contact:

Mlondolozi Limaphi, NUM Western Cape Deputy Regional Secretary, 073 518 3455

The National Union of Mineworkers
7 Rissik Street.
Cnr Frederick Johannesburg
Tel: 011 377 2111 Cell: 083 809 3257
Twitter: @Num_Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/NUM/10086002340216