Labour digs in heels following construction accident

The Department of Labour will leave no stone unturned to unravel the cause of the recent accident in Stellenbosch which left three people dead and four others seriously injured when the building collapsed, Labour Minister, Membathisi Mdladlana said today (Tue).

He was addressing the media in Cape Town to brief them about the developments.

“We will interview workers, the construction manager, expert witnesses, supervisors and any other person who could assist with the investigation,’’ the Minister said.

He said what delayed the investigation was the fact that the sub-contractor whose evidence was vital was still recovering in hospital. He said once inspectors had gathered the necessary evidence, a date for the departmental enquiry would be set.

Mdladlana said the primary responsibility of his department was to ensure that workers and the families of the deceased are properly compensated.