Minister to visit Site of horror Stellenbosch Accident

Acting Labour Minister Ngconde Balfour will today (12:30) visit the site of Monday’s horror accident where a Stellenbosch building in the Western Cape collapsed, killing three workers and injuring several others.

Minister Balfour is standing in for Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana, who yesterday took time off from his current participation at the International Labour Organization summit in Switzerland and conveyed his condolences to the deceased’s families.

It has been reported that the 60-year-old Stellenbosch Waterscape warehouse building’s interior collapsed while about 20 construction workers were effecting renovations on it, trapping some underneath the rubble, while others sustained injuries.  

Minister Mdladlana has also ordered that their employer, Gaza Bouwers – a sub-contractor – immediately report to the Department so that the next of kin can be compensated.

He expressed sadness that the accident occurred amid his constant reminders for adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS).

“I have always emphasised that employers should consider life of workers before profits. Companies have always been urged to adhere to OHS in order to ensure safe workplaces. Workers must go to work to produce not to die,” the Minister said.

Investigations by Labour Department are currently underway.