Nearly a year after the tragic collapse of the George Building, which claimed 34 lives, the haunting memories linger for survivors and families of victims. On May 6, 2025, a poignant commemoration took place, drawing attention to the ongoing struggles faced by those affected by the disaster, as well as the pressing need for accountability and justice.
Among the survivors is Shadrack Mayine, who lost both a leg and an arm in the catastrophic incident. He recalled the harrowing day when the building collapsed, stating, "It took me back to the day of the incident." Now reliant on a prosthetic limb, Mayine expressed his emotional pain as he revisited the site. "I feel better now. I can walk and move around, but my arm still gives me pain. I’m unemployed, and my family and volunteers help me," he shared.
Ivaldo Macamo, another survivor, echoed the sentiment of hardship, revealing the financial strain he faces. "I can’t pay for my kid’s education because I am struggling, and no one is coming to my assistance," he lamented. The economic impact of the collapse has been devastating for many, leaving families without their primary breadwinners.
Lucas Mthethwa, who lost his nephew Mmeli in the disaster, described the difficulty of coping with his loss. "It is now difficult to accept his death. I brought him here to build a future," he said, illustrating the deep personal toll the tragedy has taken on families.
At the George Town Hall, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson addressed the gathering, emphasizing the urgent need for support and intervention for the victims. He stated, "People didn’t just lose sons and daughters; they lost breadwinners, caregivers, and parents. Our duty is to support them, not just with words, but with meaningful intervention." Macpherson acknowledged the failures that led to the collapse and pledged to ensure accountability. "This tragedy should never have happened and as a government, we must be honest about that. It was preventable. And because of that, it must never happen again," he asserted.
Macpherson further announced that a report by the Council for the Built Environment and the Engineering Council of South Africa is expected to be completed by the end of May 2025. He promised to return to George to communicate the findings to the victims’ families, highlighting the government’s commitment to addressing the issues that led to the disaster.
Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane also spoke at the commemoration, stressing the importance of adhering to industry regulations to prevent future tragedies. She indicated that officials from the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) implicated in a report into the collapse would face charges for dereliction of duty and negligence. "We will leave no stone unturned. I have directed the NHBRC board to ensure that all recommendations in this report are fully implemented," Simelane stated.
Chantelle Kyd, a councillor for GOOD George, criticized the lack of transparency regarding the findings of previous investigations. "Two official investigations have already concluded - the Western Cape Government’s report in January 2025, and the NHBRC’s in February 2025 - yet their findings remain shrouded in silence, and accountability remains elusive," she remarked. Kyd welcomed the Minister’s commitment to returning and briefing families on the findings but insisted that more than condolences are needed. "Families need consequences," she emphasized.
As the community mourns and seeks justice, the emotional scars from the George Building collapse remain fresh. Survivors like Shadrack Mayine and Ivaldo Macamo continue to grapple with their new realities. The government's promises to enhance accountability and support for victims are met with cautious hope. The upcoming report is seen as a crucial step towards understanding the failures that led to the tragedy and ensuring that such a disaster never occurs again.
In the wake of the collapse, the call for justice resonates strongly among the victims' families and survivors. They demand not only answers but also tangible support to rebuild their lives. The sentiment shared at the commemoration reflects a collective yearning for closure and accountability, underscoring the need for systemic change within the construction industry to prioritize safety and adherence to regulations.
The George Building collapse stands as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of accountability in ensuring the safety of workers. As investigations continue and new measures are proposed, the voices of those affected must remain at the forefront of the conversation, advocating for a future where such tragedies are a thing of the past.
