A survivor of the George building collapse receives a R2,500 voucher as compensation, sparking outrage over the adequacy of support for those affected by the tragedy.

The collapse of a building in George, which tragically claimed 34 lives in May 2024, continues to raise questions about the safety of construction sites and the adequacy of compensation for those affected.

One of the survivors, Elias Abilio Tavede, a 43-year-old father of two, has spoken out about his experience and the compensation he received following the disaster.

Tavede, who was working on the construction site when the building collapsed, sustained a broken leg and was trapped under rubble for hours before being rescued.

Despite the immense physical and emotional toll of the incident, Tavede was shocked to receive only a R2,500 Shoprite voucher as compensation, raising concerns about the handling of funds and the treatment of survivors.

Tavede, who had worked in construction for many years to support his family, is now unemployed and unable to return to his previous line of work due to the severity of his injury. His leg, which was broken in the collapse, required surgery and pinning to aid in the healing process.

Tavede’s future in construction seems uncertain, and his livelihood has been shattered in the blink of an eye. “I don’t have work now. The doctor said I’ll only be ready to start work in January,” Tavede explained.

The father of two now faces the daunting challenge of rebuilding his life, and the R2,500 voucher he received from the George Municipality’s Relief and Charitable Fund feels inadequate in light of the immense loss he has suffered.

The building collapse, which took place on May 6, 2024, occurred during the construction of a five-story apartment building under the administration of Neo Victoria Developers (Pty) Ltd.

The tragedy left many workers injured and claimed the lives of 34 people. In the aftermath, a relief fund was established by the George Municipality to support those affected by the disaster.

According to reports, the fund raised R173,000, which was distributed to survivors and families of the deceased. However, Tavede’s experience highlights a growing concern about the fairness and transparency of the distribution process.

While Tavede was grateful for the voucher, he expressed his disappointment at the lack of meaningful compensation. “I received a voucher from Shoprite in November, which was R2,500.

I have two children and a girlfriend, and I am going to start a small business for sales because I cannot do construction work anymore,” Tavede said. The voucher, which he received months after the collapse, seems insufficient given the gravity of the situation.

Tavede’s struggles are compounded by the fact that he is unable to return to work, and the small business he plans to start may not provide the same financial stability he once had in his construction job.

The George Municipality has confirmed that the relief fund was administered by the NPO Famsa on behalf of the municipality, and that all vouchers were issued by December 18, 2024.

However, when asked about the distribution of funds, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde’s spokesperson, Regan Thaw, emphasized that the government was not responsible for the funds or vouchers.

“We have commissioned an investigation,” Thaw said, referring to the ongoing inquiry into the cause of the collapse. “We are not responsible for any funds or vouchers.”

Despite the official statements, Tavede’s case raises questions about the adequacy of the compensation provided to survivors. The lack of transparency and the small amount of financial support provided to those affected by the collapse have sparked public outrage.

Many are questioning whether the relief efforts have been sufficient to address the needs of the survivors and their families.

The investigation into the building collapse continues, with authorities seeking to determine the cause of the disaster.

The Western Cape Government has commissioned an independent structural engineering firm to assess the site, and the findings are currently being peer-reviewed.

The results of the investigation will be crucial in determining whether any criminal charges will be brought against those responsible for the collapse.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the case may be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) depending on the outcome of the criminal investigation.

In addition to the ongoing investigation, the Department of Employment and Labour has conducted a blitz inspection of construction sites across the province to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Over 50 inspectors were deployed to visit between 100 and 150 construction sites, and several were closed for non-compliance. However, there has been no indication that such inspections will continue in the future.

Tavede’s experience is not an isolated case. Many survivors of the collapse have expressed frustration with the lack of support and compensation they have received.

Some have raised concerns about the handling of the relief fund, and others have criticized the government for not doing enough to assist those affected by the tragedy.

“I have been living with this pain for months,” Tavede said, reflecting on the emotional toll of the incident. “People have painted me as the villain in this story, but they don’t know the truth.”

As the investigation into the building collapse continues, Tavede and other survivors are left waiting for justice and for a resolution to the crisis that has upended their lives.

The lack of adequate compensation and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the cause of the collapse have left many feeling disillusioned with the system. Tavede, who once worked tirelessly to support his family, now faces an uncertain future.

“I want people to remember Senzo for his talent, his kindness, and his love for life. He was taken from us too soon, and it’s time we honor his memory.”

As the situation unfolds, it is clear that the survivors of the George building collapse deserve more than just a voucher. They deserve justice, accountability, and the support they need to rebuild their lives after the tragedy that changed everything.