Bredell tells rescuers: ‘No politicians on disaster site’

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GEORGE NEWS & VIDEOS - "I will try and deal with the politicians."

This is what Western Cape Minister of Provincial Government, Anton Bredell told rescue workers this morning at the Victoria Street building collapse site.

He said he didn't want politicians on site so that the rescue workers can focus on the job at hand. Bredell thanked the rescue workers on behalf of the government and urged them to take care and to stay safe as it is a dangerous disaster site.

He asked them to keep their spirits up as he knows they are tired and that they must look out for one another.

Bredell said he would keep politicians away from the disaster scene.

"I am going to make the call. I am going to phone the mayor [Leon van Wyk]. I don't want any politicians on site…. But I will deal with that part, so that you can focus on your job."

He said he has only the highest respect for rescue and emergency workers and that they must know that they are appreciated by all.

Bredell told George Herald that he made the call as it is part of disaster management protocol. “Politicians on site are a distraction. They are briefed in council twice a day.”

Although he told the rescuers that politicians can go to the JOC (Joint Operations Centre) for information, he told George Herald that even this is not ideal.

“They keep the disaster management team too busy. They should get their info from the briefings. And remember, the site is both a disaster and a criminal site. Only people with a task at hand should be there."

Big machines moving in

He said the site is also dangerous and that there were 200 people involved in the rescue last night.

“Huge machines are moving in today, we need to start lifting the concrete.”

He said rescuers are trying to open the back of the site as they believe there are stairs and they are hopeful that there could be sufficient space for survivors.

VIDEO: See the video by of Bredell thanking the rescuers here. Video: Servaas de Kock, Group Editors CEO

Dugmore's tweet in bad taste

Away from the site, yesterday’s tweet on X by MPL Cameron Dugmore, the leader of the ANC in the Western Cape, angered the provincial government, the DA and many Georgians.

The tweet, labelled as insensitive, opportunistic and in bad taste reads: “Massive cover up by DA in George underway about collapse of building resulting in deaths of 22. These contractors linked to DA. Strong evidence also of people linked to Markus Jooste from George. This is the DA Contruction (sic) mafia at work …. “

Cameron is at the very least completely wrong about the 22 deceased, as up to date 7 people have lost their lives in the disaster.

Following the tweet, Federal leader of the DA, Helen Zille, who was in George, slammed Cameron’s tweet as mean, saying he should hang his head in shame.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, referring to the tweet as fake news, told a media briefing yesterday that this is no time to play politics.

VIDEO: Minister van plaaslike regering Anton Bredell gee 'n oorsig oor die gebeure tans by die ongelukstoneel in Victoriastraat. Video: Michelle Pienaar

VIDEO: Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Anton Bredell, gives a brief update to eNCA reporter Kevin Brand and Group Editors reporter Michelle Pienaar. Video: Michelle Pienaar