COSATU KZN is devastated by the incident that claimed the lives of four workers and left one seriously injured at a construction site in Ballito

The Congress of South African Trade Unions in KwaZulu Natal, is still reeling in shock over the devastating and unfortunate incident that claimed the lives of four construction workers and left one seriously injured during the collapse of the sandbank in Ballito.

After the news broke out on Saturday morning, the provincial leadership of COSATU in KZN immediately paid a visit to the area in response to the call.

COSATU leadership further interacted with the other workers who survived the incident, family members and various service providers who were at the site. It was disheartening to witness the trauma and devastation of all those affected.

In the previous years, workers have perished during the construction of Ballito Mall, at the construction site in Jacobs etc. To date, there is no information as to how those matters were concluded, which remains a concern for COSATU.

Considering the recent incidents that have claimed the lives of workers, COSATU is irate about the continued neglect by some employers, of the health and safety standards which are clearly enshrined in the Occupational Health & Safety Act.

COSATU sends its heartfelt condolences to all the victims and workers who were affected by this accident.

We call on the Department of Employment & Labour to hold non-compliant companies accountable and ensure that matters of consequence management are taken seriously.

There must be full accountability on all the previous cases where workers have lost their lives or injured on duty.

We shall continue to engage DEL to allow COSATU as one of the key stakeholders, an observer status during these investigations and hearings.

We wish to thank all the good-hearted people and various service providers who came out in their numbers to assist during the rescue and recovery of the deceased workers.

COSATU commits itself to working with the families and the rest of the workers to help them find closure and ensure that their interests are not overlooked.

Today the leadership of COSATU together with the Premier of the Province, Ms. Nomusa Ncube-Dube, will do a follow-up visit to the families of the deceased workers and further visit the survivor at the hospital. The visit will start at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital at 14h00.

Issued by COSATU KZN

Edwin Mkhize-Provincial Secretary082 399 7756

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