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The South African Human Rights Commission (Commission) has noted with concern the collapse of a building in George, Western Cape on Monday, 06 May 2024. 

The Commission is particularly concerned about the lives lost and the number of workers injured following the collapse. As it stands, reports indicate that, 48 workers were accounted for, including 19 deceased; and 14 hospitalised. 33 remain unaccounted for.

The commission wishes to send its condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured.

Commissioners of the SAHRC will, on Monday, 13 May, meet George’s Executive leadership, and inspect the site of the collapsed building. The purpose of the visit is to determine the cause of the collapsed building, the impact, and the steps that the leaders would be taking to mitigate future human rights violations. 

Whilst the Commission commends and is encouraged by ongoing search and rescue efforts, the SAHRC is particularly concerned about the rights of the affected workers, particularly their right to life, to a safe environment and to health care. Part of the visit is aimed at devising strategies on how to ensure that the workers and the affected community get redress. It is also aimed at devising and adopting strategies that would ensure accountability and prevent such cases in the future.

Itinerary starting point: Council Chambers, 71 York Street, George Municipality

Time: 12:00

Subsequently the Commissioners will then proceed to inspect site of collapsed building.

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission