GEORGE: President Cyril Ramaphosa assured the families of deceased and injured workers trapped inside the collapsed building in George that the government will provide all necessary assistance. "We do not want to increase the burden, the suffering, and the grief that you are going through. We want to be there as government at all levels to demonstrate our compassion," President Ramaphosa said.

According to South African Government News Agency, of the 81 people who were inside the building during the incident, 62 have been recovered, 32 have passed away, 12 are hospitalized, and 19 remain unaccounted for. President Ramaphosa visited the disaster site on Thursday, where he was briefed by various officials, including several ministers and Western Cape Premier Allan Winde, about the rescue efforts and support provided to the affected families.

Ramaphosa praised the professionalism and capability of those involved in the rescue operation and assured the bereaved families that the government will ensure accountability. "It will take some time for all aspects of this disaster to be properly tied together... I can assure you that the seriousness with which this matter is being dealt will lead to the truth coming out," he said. The President also expressed condolences to the families and wished a speedy recovery to those injured, emphasizing that the focus remains on saving lives and caring for the injured.