President says disaster is a ‘wakeup call’

Update

GEORGE NEWS - During President Cyril Ramaphosa's visit to the disaster site in Victoria Street in George this afternoon, the smiling president was enthusiastically welcomed and cheered on by onlookers who watched from the pavements and areas in front of the George Civic Centre.

Ramaphosa took a moment to greet and thank the rescue workers.

The occasion elicited a media frenzy of note as reporters and photographers elbowed their way through the crowd to get close to the president. Ramaphosa was accompanied by his bodyguards, the Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde, and various national and provincial ministers.

Following the site visit he addressed the family members in the city hall and expressed his sympathy to those who lost loved ones.

Ramaphosa pleaded for patience until the process to find out exactly what went wrong on Monday 6 May at the Neo Victoria apartment building is completed. "I am filled with sadness, but at the same time I want to give you the assurance that we will handle it as we should."

He thanked the representatives of governments, his ministers, premier, and all involved in the operations on site for the way they handled the situation. "May God be with you and continue to put his hands on your shoulder. I am satisfied that in SA we know how to deal with disasters."

He said that the disaster is a wake-up call and that we must ensure that this never happens again. “There are many lessons to be learned from what has happened.”

The presidential visit ended with a wreath laying for the deceased at the civic centre.

President Cyril Ramaphosa greeting rescuers on site. Pictured is K9-unit's Sergeant Makhosonke and to his right is Sergeant Kotze, with Captain Sutton to his left and Lieutenant Colonel Davids next to the President.
Photo: Garden Route District Municipality