GEORGE NEWS - Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala called on the Human's Rights Commission last week to investigate the George building collapse.

Zikalala spoke at the National Construction Summit in Durban where he referred to the building disaster as an example of the "exploitation" of labour in the building industry. He said "foreign nationals were imported to become cheap labour".

The Western Cape Department of Infrastructure (DOI) is busy with an engineering and building investigation, the Labour Department is investigating the labour relations implications of the disaster, and SAPS is investigating the deaths of 34 people.

Responding to follow-up enquiries from George Herald regarding progress with the investigations and whether the findings of the engineering investigation would be made public, the DOI referred the newspaper to the previous media update issued on 27 August. 

At the time, the DOI indicated that the independent structural engineering firm that had been appointed to do the investigation, provides regular updates to the DOI, that also oversees the progress of the process to ensure its integrity.

At the time, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said, "The progress of our investigation is encouraging, especially considering the complexities associated with such incidents. 

"We will continue to closely monitor our probe, as well as the others. The Western Cape Government has a clear timeline in which it wants its processes to be concluded so that concrete and decisive action can be taken. 

"While we know that many people want answers, we must ensure that all the correct processes are followed and we will keep the public updated."

SAPS Southern Cape spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies confirmed last week that the police investigation is ongoing. "The case docket will be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for a decision upon conclusion of the investigation."

George Municipality was asked if it would be receiving the Western Cape Government's report on the engineering investigation and if so, if it would make it available to the public, but it referred the newspaper to the premier's office, saying that it is not responsible for the investigation into the cause of the collapse. "Please make contact with the Western Cape Office of the Premier with regard to their independent investigation into the matter and whether the findings will be made public," said municipal spokesperson Chantèl Edwards.

The newspaper also reached out to the Department of Labour, but no response was received.

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