Verulam building collapse echoes George disaster

IN A DEVASTATING echo of the George building collapse, the recent structural failure in Verulam has left South Africa grappling with a troubling pattern of negligence and loss of life.

- THOBEKA NGEMA

THE rubble of the collapsed multi-storey building in George. The collapse claimed the lives of 34 workers and left dozens injured.

(AYANDA NDAMANE Independent Newspapers)

Last Friday’s incident, which resulted in the deaths of five individuals and numerous injuries, has initiated a thorough investigation aimed at uncovering the causes and ensuring accountability.The George building collapse in May 2024 was an even more tragic affair, claiming the lives of 34 people and injuring many others.

Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) Minister Dean Macpherson emphasised the urgent need for accountability, saying that as long as the people are not held accountable, there is little incentive to comply.

“T hold the view that if people die through negligence, that is criminal, and there should be criminal consequences for that,’ Macpherson said.