South Africa: Still No Compensation for Victims of George Building Collapse

**Dysfunction at the Compensation Commission Delays Payments for Victims**

A building collapse in George killed 34 people nearly a year ago. It also left 28 survivors, who are still waiting for compensation. Survivors and families of the deceased are entitled to payouts from the Compensation Fund. However, they have not received any payments yet. A labor lawyer describes this situation as "typical" for claimants.

The Department of Labour has declined to comment on the issue. They state that the matter is still under investigation. The five-storey apartment block collapsed on May 6, 2024. Most of those who died were immigrants, and many survivors suffered serious injuries.

A police investigation is ongoing into the incident. The Department of Human Settlements noted that a preliminary report found several procedures were not followed during construction. Under COIDA, the Compensation Fund should cover medical expenses and provide regular payouts to disabled individuals or families of deceased workers.

The fund is available to both South African citizens and immigrants working in South Africa for over a year. Local volunteers have helped at least 11 survivors file claims with the Compensation Fund. While some medical expenses have been covered, no survivor or family member has received compensation payments.

Some workers now face permanent disabilities due to their injuries. Ivaldo Macomo lost a leg and cannot work as a bricklayer anymore. His friend Virgilio Sitoe suffered nerve damage in both feet and struggled to work for months.

Macomo's doctor informed him that his claim was approved, but he hasn't received payment yet. Sitoe visited the Department of Labour recently and was told his claim would not succeed because he appeared fine.

Shadrack Maine from Lesotho lost an arm and a leg but has not received funds either. Elelwani Mawela from Zimbabwe had her face crushed in the collapse but faced challenges obtaining her medical records for her claim.

Mawela spent hundreds on administration fees just to get her records from Groote Schuur Hospital. When she presented these documents at the Department of Labour, she was told more documents were needed.

Families of deceased workers also struggle with claims for pensions. Kayuni is married to Tiwonge Muhango, who died in the collapse while working as a cleaner on-site. Despite having valid documentation, Kayuni has not received compensation for his wife's death.

George Kahn, a public interest lawyer at Richard Spoor Inc., says these challenges are common among victims seeking compensation. Many give up despite having valid claims due to bureaucratic hurdles.

Kahn criticizes labour department officials for incompetence in handling COIDA claims effectively and timely. He notes that employees often resubmit documents because officials lose them frequently.