The Department of Employment and Labour has extended its sincere condolences to the family of 63-year-old man who passed on yesterday (Monday February 8) after collapsing at our Kempton Park Labour Centre.

The client had come to our offices for a follow up on the Unemployment Insurance benefits. It is reported that while waiting, the 63-year-old client started complaining about shortness of breath before he collapsed.

Officials at the labour centre tried in vain to resuscitate him while the manager called the ambulance. On arrival the paramedics declared him dead at the scene. The Department notified the family and South African Police Services (SAPS). 　

"The death of a client is tragic and as the department, we have conveyed our condolences to the family. Both his wife and daughter came to the scene after being notified of the events. The department will ensure that the remaining benefits are paid over as soon as possible," said Tshepo Mokomatsidi, the Gauteng Provincial Head of the department.

The department also extended thanks to its visibly traumatised labour centre officials for their speedy response and doing everything in their power to keep the deceased alive and helping the family to the extent possible in their hour of need.

"We would like to ask the public to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers and to give them the privacy and space to deal with his tragedy," said Mokomatsidi.