Eighteen months after the deadly George building collapse that claimed 34 lives and left 28 others injured, survivors and bereaved families are still waiting for compensation from the Department of Employment and Labour.
The tragedy, which occurred in May 2024, saw a partially built five-storey structure in the Western Cape town collapse while dozens of construction workers were on-site.
It remains one of South Africa’s worst construction disasters in decades.
Delays and documentation issues
The department confirmed that its Compensation Fund has received 68 claims related to the incident – 15 from South African citizens and 53 from foreign nationals.
However, the processing of many of these claims has stalled due to missing or incomplete documentation, leaving affected families without closure or financial relief.
Milly Ruiters, the department’s chief inspector for occupational health and safety, said that officials are facing serious verification challenges.
“We also had Home Affairs confirm that 53 were illegal foreign nationals. There was one who had a work permit, but it had expired,” Ruiters said.
“When it comes to social security, we need documentation in order for the Department of Employment and Labour to finalise the processing of claims.”
Long wait for justice
The department acknowledged that the lack of valid identification and work permits among some workers has made it legally complex to disburse benefits.
Without proper paperwork, claims cannot be finalised – a situation that continues to frustrate survivors and grieving families who have been waiting for more than a year for compensation.
The Department of Employment and Labour said it remains committed to resolving the outstanding claims but did not provide a specific timeline for when payments will be completed.
A tragedy remembered
The George building collapse sparked national outrage and renewed calls for stricter construction oversight and accountability within the industry.
As investigations continue into the cause of the collapse, families of those who died say they are still waiting for both answers and justice – as well as the financial support they were promised.
