Building disaster: Survivors, families say thank you

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GEORGE NEWS AND VIDEO - An emotional candle-lighting ceremony was held on Wednesday 4 December at the George Civic Centre where a number of the survivors of the Victoria Street building disaster and family members of the deceased gathered to express their gratitude towards all those involved in the rescue and support efforts after the building came crashing down.

There were tearful moments when family members and survivors lit candles for the 34 deceased.

Shadrack Maine, a survivor who lost both his left arm and leg, read a deeply touching thank you message on behalf of the workers and family.

He explained that the workers were just people trying to make a living. He thanked the brave rescue teams, the generous donors of George, local volunteers and NGOs who have been supporting them since that fateful day, as well as the investigators who are "seeking justice for us".

"On Monday 6 May 2024, our lives were shattered forever. In a few seconds, 62 families would never be the same again.

"For 34 of us, there was no time to say goodbye. No time to say I'm sorry. No time to say I love you."

He said the 28 survivors had been given a second chance at life. "Now we are building up our lives again. And we seek justice. But we are also filling the deep cracks with love and forgiveness and appreciation."

Some of the survivors who attended the event. From left are Jeremiah Leshokhoa (Lesotho), Meshell Mvundla (Zimbabwe), Vasco Miocha (Mozambique), Delvin Safers (Mossel Bay), Calisto Mahite (Mozambique), Zinzan Safers (Delvin's brother), Virgilio Sitoe (Mozambique), Karmoni Langa (Mozambique) and Qhubekani Ndebele (Zimbabwe). Kneeling in front is Sam Dube (Zimbabwe).

Premier Alan Winde spoke at the event, confirming that the engineer's investigation into the cause of the building collapse being done under the instruction of the Western Cape Government has been completed and is being peer reviewed.

He also looked back at the time when he arrived in George hours after the collapse, encountering families desperate for information.

Winde praised the rescue teams, saying that their efforts were world-class, leading to an unexpectedly high number of people being rescued.

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In the front are staff members from the George Fire and Rescue Services who attended the event with fire chief Neels Barnard on the left.

Survivor Delvin Safers and his father, Deon, introduced the book they published after the disaster. Titled Delvin leef, it recounts Delvin's experience and how the incident impacted the family. Deon made a heartfelt plea for support for the survivors over the Christmas period.

Pastor Jannie Horne of Eagle's Nest Ministries called on churches to lend a helping hand to the survivors and families before Christmas. "They are not OK six months down the line. They are still traumatised and it is still painful for them."

Karmoni Langa from Mozam-bique lighting a candle. On the photo in the background is Zkhele Ntente who died in the collapse.

Delvin Safers with Lehone Collett, a volunteer during the rescue efforts, who bought several copies of his book, Delvin leef.

Members from rescue teams who helped save lives, with Blessed Gere (left) from Zimbabwe who acted as MC of the programme. He has been assisting survivors with practical arrangements since the collapse. On the right is Deon Stoffels, Garden Route District Municipality's chief fire officer.

The miracle man, Gabriel Guamba (centre), was the last live person to be rescued 118 hours after the collapse. He spoke with Premier Alan Winde and Jerrison Mabunda from Mossel Bay who represented his father from Father & Son contractors at the event.