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[FILE IMAGE]: The aftermath of the George building collapse.
The Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure, sitting in Thembalethu in George, Western Cape, has blasted the Department of Social Development for not providing more support to survivors of the Victoria Street building collapse and the victims’ families.
The committee was hearing submissions from those affected by the tragedy.
The Department of Labour also had to answer why over 50% of claims have not yet been processed for the 68 claimants.
It’s been more than a year since the incident which saw 34 people die and many others injured, in what’s been called South Africa’s worst disaster in the building industry. Emotions ran high at the public hearing.
The Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure met with the George Municipality to discuss the collapse of the multi-storey building in George. @ParliamentofRSA @george_mun @FinanceCluster @GovernanceClus1 @EconoCluster @JustSecuCluster @FinanceCluster @DepartmentPWI pic.twitter.com/xZkcfPnD3U
— Economic-Cluster (@EconoCluster) November 19, 2025
Survivors and victims’ families are yet to receive follow-up psycho-social support. Other issues include compensation, documentation and donations.
Department of Social Development officials had to answer questions on why they were allegedly lax in their approach to assisting the affected people.
Committee Chairperson, Carol Phiri, says “The way they’re talking about the treatment and the arrogance from officials from different departments, in particular social development officials, its bad. They’re giving us a report. We never thought or expected it will be a session like this, where you find a complainant will stand up and saying what you’re saying is not correct, the correct part is this one, am I wrong, and the person could not continue to respond.
The Department of Employment and Labour says its report into the #GeorgeBuildingCollapse has been handed over to the NPA this week. This concludes all government and private investigations as the SAPS prepares to handover the docket to the NPA for possible prosecution.#sabcnews pic.twitter.com/K2a7QGxUzT
— Sphiwe Hobasi (@MrCow_man) November 20, 2025
Zweli Peterson, the brother of one of the deceased, told the commission that it was difficult for them to get any answers from the various government departments.
“There’s nothing happening, we’ve been left in the dark, no-one to care, George municipality, Social Development, Labour, nobody have helped, except George community members who have tried to donate the money to us. When this portfolio comes here I believe there will be something positive worldwide, something will happen, I believe so.
GOOD DEMANDS ANSWERS AS MUNICIPALITY DRAGS ITS FEET ON CRITICAL REVIEW
The GOOD Party strongly condemns the George Municipality’s latest attempt to claim it will now “review its legislation and internal processes” after the fatal building collapse in May 2024.
Read more:… pic.twitter.com/lfAulUaoHp
— GOOD (@ForGoodZA) November 20, 2025
The labour department stated that their outstanding report has now been handed over to the NPA for further investigation.
They explained that claims can only be processed with all necessary documentation both for South Africans and foreign nationals.
David Esau, the province’s chief inspector at the department, says, “So, we have a list of 68, and 44 have claim liability, which means we can pay it, but just bring your bank account details. You literally can say they are finalised. And then there’s those few who cannot bring proof that they are related to the person that passed away. So, those are technical issues we can’t deal with. We’ve spoken to the consulates to assist us with the matter. I think we must dispel the myth (that) we’re not going to pay foreigners, but we’re sticking to our commitment and if only that can be fulfilled, we’ll be able to pay out everybody.”
The portfolio committee will l compile a report and table it in parliament within 30 days.
George Building Collapse | System errors lamented
