The GOOD Party has voiced strong disappointment over the George Municipality’s decision to withdraw its nearly R10 million recovery claim against the owners of the building that collapsed on Victoria Street last year, killing 34 workers.

The tragedy, which shook the community in 2024, left families devastated and raised serious questions about building safety and municipal oversight.

Now, with the site set to go on auction later this month, liquidators are hoping to recover funds from the property’s owners, but GOOD says the municipality’s withdrawal sends the wrong message.

GOOD’s Chantelle Kyd says the decision highlights how accountability often seems “optional” for powerful or well-connected property owners.

“We call on the municipality to explain this decision publicly and to recommit to pursuing justice for the victims and their families. Furthermore, we join the community in calling for the Victoria Street site not to be turned into profit-making apartments, but rather to be preserved as a memorial site, a lasting reminder of the lives lost and the urgent need for accountability in our building and governance systems.”

 

Many community members and victims’ families have echoed that call, saying they are deeply disappointed that the site may soon be redeveloped into apartments.

The George Municipality, however, maintains that it has limited control over the matter.

Municipal spokesperson Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe says the property is privately owned, and its future use will be up to whoever buys it at auction.

“The municipality is aware that the company has been liquidated and for that reason, the initial claim for recovery costs was withdrawn. Any outstanding municipal claims do not stop the auction from proceeding. Any new owner that buys the property will not be allowed to continue to use the previously approved plans. Those plans are no longer valid and must be resubmitted for formal approval by the municipality in line with the National Building Regulations.”

Mangqwengqwe added that pursuing legal action against a liquidated company would have significant cost implications for taxpayers.

“Legal action against a liquidated company, using taxpayers’ money, would be irresponsible, fruitless, and wasteful, as there is no guarantee that any funds owed to the municipality would be recovered.”