George building collapse victims seek justice, a year on

Next week marks a year since the tragic George building collapse in the Western Cape in which 34 people lost their lives, while 28 others were left injured and some maimed for life.

A year later, most survivors and the victim’s families all echo the same thing – their lives are in tatters, and justice is slow.

So far, two reports on the cause of the incident and who must be held accountable have come out. One report will not be released publicly now as it might jeopardise police investigations.

The other has pointed fingers at the contractor and several officials from the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC).

Some, like Ivaldo Macamo*, lost limbs in the incident and will never be able to work again.

“It’s tough. I can’t even take my children to school because I’m struggling and nothing is happening. I don’t see any help coming my way,” says Macamo.

One of the survivors, Elelwani Mawela is now facing a new horror. She’s being bullied due to her injuries.

As a Health and Safety officer at the site, she sustained serious facial trauma.

Most of her teeth were damaged and she requires costly dental work. With no emotional support and after being turned down by the local hospital, she returned to her home in Limpopo.

“Mr Ramaphosa, if you see this video, I’m asking you to intervene. Public institutions can’t help me. I need assistance with my teeth. I’m appealing for donations to go to a private institution so that I can go have a set of teeth to look like other people. Life is difficult now. I lost people whom I dearly loved in that tragedy,” appeals Mawela.