Update
GEORGE NEWS - A former electrical apprentice of Africa Skills Private College who was also involved in the Victoria Street collapsed building disaster, Analisa Thomas (20), is among the workers who have been retrieved from the rubble.
Thomas was retrieved safely, suffering minor injuries.
Two electrical learners of the college who were also on the building site when it collapsed on Monday 6 May are still unaccounted for.
Their names are withheld on request of their parents.
A prayer and sharing session to which all learners of the George campuses are invited to join, is being held at 18:00 tonight, Thursday 9 May.
"Our support is available to the loved ones of the two learners affected and to all our apprentices and staff who feel physically or emotionally drained by this tragic reality.
"It is with sorrow and continuous prayers and hope in our hearts that Africa Skills Private College in George and all at UXi Artisan Development are sharing our support and encouragement with the parents and loved ones of these two learners and every other construction worker involved in this horrific disaster."
Harmse said the college has been continually in touch and supporting the parents of these two learners.
"At the time of the tragedy on Monday 6 May both the electrical learners who have not yet been retrieved have been working under supervision of their vetted host employment at the Neo Victoria construction site. As determined within the industry they both were under supervision of a fully qualified artisan to gain workplace exposure.
"I, as a mother of a son and daughter am whole heartedly standing with every parent and family member of all the affected construction people as we remain hopeful in anticipation, knowing that everything is possible with God."
She said counselling services have been activated and relatives, learners and employees who need support are invited to contact Africa Skills in George during office hours.
"The safety of our learners is and will remain our concern and our hearts are united with our learners, their parents and the loved ones of every construction worker affected by this disaster. Please keep our fellow-learners and the families of the deceased and all injured construction workers in your prayers."
Jan Greyling, a spokesperson for Uxi, said Thomas and her parents are too traumatised to speak to the media.
Previous articles:
- George building disaster: This event will impact may lives for years to come, says development team
- Update: Expectation turns to bitter disappointment
- Update: Voice from debris gives new hope
- Building collapse | Status unchanged
- Bredell tells rescuers: 'No politicians on disaster site'
- Support for emergency personnel at George building collapse site
‘Ons bring jou die nuutste Tuinroete, Hessequa, Karoo nuus’
