George building collapse: Many share frustration over lack of support from DSD

Social Development officials in George were reprimanded last week by members of Parliament (MPs).

Members of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure held a public hearing in George to hear from affected families and survivors.

Many shared their frustration about a lack of support from the Department of Social Development, after the building collapse incident in May 2024.

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Committee member Malebo Kobe had some harsh words for the officials: “You misled Parliament and brought have truths here, if not half truths, you brought a distortion of facts. You lied about these people, and these people came here and told us and even pointed out an individual, of how you treated them.”

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)’s Molebogeng Letlape also weighed in after some victims shared how they were treated different because of their nationality.

“South African or not, no one deserves to be treated like an animal and not like a human being, only because someone thinks they are above the law, and that is the treatment the received.”

The committee has requested a detailed report on the service and assistance it offered to survivors and the families of the deceased.