Author: Nadine Payle

Dr Carla Hauman and Vilje Maritz, a Garden Route Volunteer

George Municipality confirms that figures remain unchanged at this point, 3:00 pm 8 May.

36 patients retrieved.
7 are blue (Deceased).
16 are red patients (Critical).
6 are yellow patients (Life-threatening injuries).
7 are green (minor injuries).
A total of 39 of the initial 75 workers on site remain unaccounted for at present.

Support to the rescue personnel

The rescue operation is approaching 49 hours as of 14:30 this afternoon, 8 May.

An update will be issued by 6 pm on Wednesday 8 May 2024, – South African Time.

On-site Triage Description:
Blue: Deceased
Red: Critical
Yellow: Life-threatening injuries
Green: Minor injuries

Support for Emergency Personnel at Victoria Street Building Collapse Site

In light of the exhaustive rescue operations and the high physical stress endured by the multi-disciplinary emergency personnel working tirelessly at the Victoria Street Building collapse site, volunteers have stepped in to provide essential support.

Vitamin B complex for rescue workers

Recognising the critical need for sustaining these dedicated workers’ health and energy levels, volunteers are supplying vitamin B complex boosters. These supplements play a vital role in releasing energy through metabolism and supporting overall bodily functions under strenuous conditions.

The George Municipality thanks all volunteers and medical professionals for their invaluable assistance during this critical time.

PhotoS by: Herman Pieters, Garden Route District Municipality

George Municipality confirms that thirty-six (36) patients have been retrieved from the collapsed building as at 09:00 Wednesday 8 May.

Of the 36 retrieved, 7 are blue (declared deceased), 16 are red patients (critical); 6 are yellow patients (Life-threatening injuries) and 7 are green (minor injuries).

A total of 39 of the initial 75 workers on site remain unaccounted for at present.

Rescue operations continue at the building collapse site on Victoria Street today with a multi-disciplinary rescue team of more than 200 emergency services available.

The rescue operation is now approaching 43 hours as of 09:00 this morning 8 May.

An update will be issued by 12pm on Wednesday 8 May 2024, – South African Time.

On site Triage Description:
Blue: Deceased
Red: Critical
Yellow: Life-threatening injuries
Green: Minor injuries

Issued George Municipal, 7 May 2024, 15.00

The rescue operations continuing and as of 14:30 this afternoon, 7 May 2024 a total of six (6) patients have been declared deceased.

Twenty-eight (28) patients have been removed from the rubble of the collapsed multi-story construction site at 75 Victoria Street, leaving 47 persons unaccounted for.

Seventy-five (75) construction workers were present on the site at the time of the collapse which occurred at 14:09 on Monday 6 May and the rescue operation is now approaching 24.20 hours as of 14:25 today, 7 May.

An update will be issued at 18:00, 7 May 2024 – South African Time.

Note: Should any member of the public wish to provide safety goggles, Headlamps, drinking water, energy drinks, wine gums, or food for the emergency services while they are on-site – kindly deliver to the tent site via Ivy Street at 79 Victoria Street, Delplan Consulting which is being manned by Gift of the Givers and Herman Pienaar of LoveGeorge which will remain operational throughout the night.

For enquiries to give please contact: Gift of the Givers: Mario Ferreira (082 490 2752) and Herman Pienaar (082 829 6428)

Safety equipment including helmets, safety goggles, headlamps and construction gloves are needed. If anyone can assist, please deliver to GRDM Fire Station, Pearl Road, Tamsui Industria.

We have had requests from the public about financial donations. Please use below banking details:

George Municipality: Relief and Charitable Fund
ABSA BANK Cheque Acc: 9149554208
Branch Code: 632005

The rescue operations continuing and as of 14:30 this afternoon, 7 May 2024 a total of six (6) patients have been declared deceased.

Twenty-eight (28) patients have been removed from the rubble of the collapsed multi-story construction site at 75 Victoria Street, leaving 47 persons unaccounted for.

Seventy-five (75) construction workers were present on the site at the time of the collapse which occurred at 14:09 on Monday 6 May and the rescue operation is now approaching 24.20 hours as of 14:25 today, 7 May.

An update will be issued at 18:00, 7 May 2024 – South African Time.

Note: Should any member of the public wish to provide safety goggles, Headlamps, drinking water, energy drinks, wine gums, or food for the emergency services while they are on-site – kindly deliver to the tent site via Ivy Street at 79 Victoria Street, Delplan Consulting which is being manned by Gift of the Givers and Herman Pienaar of LoveGeorge which will remain operational throughout the night.

For enquiries to give please contact: Gift of the Givers: Mario Ferreira (082 490 2752) and Herman Pienaar (082 829 6428)

Safety equipment including helmets, safety goggles, headlamps and construction gloves are needed. If anyone can assist, please deliver to GRDM Fire Station, Pearl Road, Tamsui Industria.

We have had requests from the public about financial donations. Please use below banking details:

George Municipality: Relief and Charitable Fund
ABSA BANK Cheque Acc: 9149554208
Branch Code: 632005

Issued George Municipal, 7 May 2024, 9am

George Municipality confirms that as of 9am this morning, 7 May, a total of five (5) patients have been declared deceased.

Twenty-six (26) patients have been removed from the rubble of the collapsed multi-story construction site at 75 Victoria Street, leaving 49 persons unaccounted for.

Status of patients: 11 red / 3 yellow / 7 green / 5 blue

75 construction workers were present on the site at the time of the collapse which occurred at 14:09 on Monday 6 May.

Three teams of rescue personnel are currently working on three different areas within the site of the collapsed building.
An update will be issued at 12pm, 7 May 2024 – South African Time.

Note: Should any member of the public wish to provide safety goggles, Headlamps, drinking water, energy drinks, wine gums, food for the emergency services while they are on site – kindly deliver to the tent site via Ivy Street at 79 Victoria St, Delplan Consulting which is being manned by Gift of the Givers and Herman Pienaar of LoveGeorge which will remain operational throughout the night.

For enquiries to give please contact: Gift of the Givers: Mario Ferreira (082 490 2752) and Herman Pienaar (082 829 6428)

Safety equipment including safety goggles, headlamps and construction gloves are needed. If anyone can assist please deliver to GRDM Fire Station, Pearl Road, Tamsui Industria.

Photograph Credit Herman Pieters, GRDM Communications Manager

Issued George Municipal, 6 May 2024, 6pm

Following the collapse of a multi-storey building under construction in Victoria Street this afternoon, Disaster Service teams from George and Garden Route District Municipality are currently involved in the rescue operation. SAPS are on site.

53 Emergency personnel are on their way from the City of Cape Town and Worcester Disaster Services as well as Colin Deiner, Western Cape Provincial Disaster Services will be on site as soon as is possible to assist.

The collapse occurred just after 2pm today, 6 May with a construction crew of approximately 70 on site. 22 patients have been retrieved and sent to hospitals throughout the province. Currently the rescue operation remains underway with over 80 rescue personnel on site.

Family and friends of the construction workers involved in the incident are being given space to gather at the foyer of the main municipal building and will be assisted.

A second update will be issued at about 9pm tonight South African Time.

May marks International Internal Audit Awareness Month, a time dedicated to recognising the vital role of internal audit professionals and elevating the profession’s visibility. The Internal Audit Department at George Municipality is proud to participate in this global initiative by launching an awareness campaign to showcase the value-added role of internal audit within the organisation.

Led by Mr JP Rossouw, Chief Audit Executive, the George Internal Audit Team is enthusiastic about promoting the importance of internal audit and encouraging young South Africans to consider a career in this field. As guardians of good governance and risk management, internal auditors play a crucial role in enhancing processes and adding value to organisations.

Throughout May, the Internal Audit Department will collaborate with the Media Office to publish informative content on the municipal social media platforms. This content will highlight the role and responsibilities of internal audit, as well as address frequently asked questions to increase awareness and understanding.

In addition to informative content, the Internal Audit Department will host weekly competitions with exciting prizes for participants. Questions related to internal audit will be circulated to all users via a provided link, inviting everyone to participate and engage in celebrating International Internal Audit Awareness Month.

• Jean-Pierre Rossouw (Chief Audit Executive)
• Heybré Ellis (Manager: Internal Audit)
• Zimasa Bulo (Senior Internal Auditor)
• Kloper Mabunda (Internal Auditor)
• Natacha Martins (IA Intern)
• Xolisile Sotushe (IA Intern)
• Jomeila Apollis (IA Intern)

The Internal Audit Department welcomes inquiries and encourages individuals to reach out for further information about the role and responsibilities of internal audit.

See Video link
https://youtu.be/MZ9-vQZ24mQ

In the photograph are from left Chief Fire Officer and Instructor, Neels Barnard; Divisional Commander Johan Brand, Station Commander Santa Sternsdorf, Firefighter Brad Bussack, Junior Firefighter Richard Bruinders and Firefighter and Instructor, Johan Troskie.

In preparation for bolstering the Water Rescue Unit ahead of the upcoming festive season, four dedicated officials from the George Fire Brigade underwent rigorous sea training on Tuesday 23 April. The training included crucial sea hours necessary for obtaining their skipper’s licenses. Under the expert guidance of Instructors Chief Fire Officer Neels Barnard and Fire Official Johan Troskie, the officials honed their skills at Wilderness Beach.

This intensive training will allow five (5) fire and rescue officials to obtain their skippers tickets by the end of May. This marks a significant step in strengthening our emergency response capabilities, ensuring swift and effective assistance to those in need, particularly in water-related emergencies. George Municipality remains committed to prioritizing the safety and well-being of our community, especially during peak periods of activity.

1800 CC Jetski combined with pontoons of a rubberduck which is now called a Jetrib. The Jetrib is operated by two people, a skipper and a rescue swimmer and then can carry a third person as a victim. It is an extremely versatile sea vessel.

Rubber Duck rescue boat. 5.5 meter in length for deeper sea search and rescue.

See Video link
https://youtu.be/QttxvvfFED0

Sharon House, Senior Tourism Officer was kept busy with prebooked meetings for the duration of WTM.

George Municipality’s Tourism team recently attended World Travel Market Africa (WTM), at the Cape Town International Convention Centre held from the 11 – 13 April 2024, together with members of the George Tourism fraternity promoting the destination at the highest level.

Unam Gila and Nomzamo Entile from Explore our Hood with Manager for Tourism, Joan Shaw on the WTM stand.

George exhibited on the Garden Route & Klein Karoo stand, alongside premium products such as Red Berry Farm and the Hawthorne Hotel to promote the benefits of the destination for business and leisure travel to hundreds of Tour Operators from across the globe.
The George focus was on our key markets which are the United Kingdom, Germany and the United States of America, but also including local buyers that sell tours in key markets, and some agents as far afield as Australia and India. The interest from other South African buyers was also showing stronger than ever this year.

George sponsored and facilitated the attendance of local entrepreneurs, Explore our Hood, who operate experience tours in Thembalethu. The couple has just facilitated a German/South African exchange program with great success and continues to promote tourism in this vibrant township.

WTMA celebrated its 10th year on African soil and an early start ensured confirmed meetings with 40 buyers before the show started. Although a few cancellations were received on the first day, these were filled with walk-in trade, making for a busy show. The standard of the buyers was excellent, and many are already engaging with us.
Tourism Manager, Joan Shaw says “We have just come up for air, after a busy show which was one of the best we have attended to date. Our Marketer, Sharon House, and I had good meetings and the interest in our area remains high, especially for leisure business.”
For more information or to join the Exhibition in 2025, contact Sharon House at 044 801 9298, or email shouse@george.gov.za.