George building collapse: No compensation for victims
Survivors of the George building collapse are still trying to get payouts from the Compensation Fund, almost one year after the tragic event.
Almost a year ago, the collapse of a George apartment building shocked the country. But, according to a GroundUp report, survivors and relatives of the deceased have yet to receive any payout from the Compensation Fund.
What happened to survivors of the George building collapse?
On 6 May 2024, a five-storey apartment block collapsed in George in the Western Cape. 34 workers were killed. 26 survived but most of them were left with injuries.
Amongst the injured are two Mozambican workers, Ivaldo Macomo and Virgilio Sitoe, who spoke to GroundUp about their life after the collapse. Macomo, who lost a leg in the collapse, is unlikely to work again. Although Sitoe has finished his medical treatment, he experiences pain from nerve damage to his feet and has struggled to find work after the George building collapse.
What is the Compensation Fund?
The Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act makes provision for a Compensation Fund. This finance entity should cover the medical costs of injured workers. It should also provide income support to those permanently disabled and the families of the deceased. It covers both South African workers and immigrants who have worked in the country longer than a year.
However, the Compensation Fund has been dogged with fraud and poor audit outcomes. This means it takes months for claims to be paid and some are never paid at all.
No compensation paid to George building collapse survivors
At least 11 of the George building survivors submitted claims to the Compensation Fund. Some of them have had their medical expenses covered from the Fund but GroundUp reports that none of the survivors or the families of the dead have received compensation payouts.
Macomo was told by his doctor that his claim had been approved. However, he hasn’t received any payout. The same is true of the families of those who died. Child Kayuni, the husband of cleaner Tiwonge Muhango who died on the site, has not received any compensation.
According to GroupUp, the Department of Labour has refused to comment while the compensation payout is ongoing.
In January, the Western Cape Government’s investigation into the George building collapse was given to the South African Police Service. In March, a separate National Home Builders Registration Council probe into the incident found that there had been gross negligence on the part of the construction company. At the time, Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane stated: “We will refer the report to our law enforcement agencies for investigation and possible criminal charges.”
Will the Compensation Fund pay out compensation any time soon?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
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