The Department of Labour on Saturday issued a prohibition notice against the company that erected the stage that collapsed during the National Women’s Day celebrations at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
President Thabo Mbeki and other dignitaries escaped injury when the roof of the tent caved in on them, temporarily disrupting the event.
Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana said his department’s inspectors reacted promptly to the incident and the company would not be able to do any structural work until a probe into the collapse has been completed.
”Safety is of primary importance in our country. We cannot allow a situation where a company that has been given the responsibility to erect a stage for Women’s Day celebrations cut corners.”
Preliminary investigations revealed that no safety certificate was issued by the building control and no inspection was done by the fire department before the utilisation of the stage.
”This is gross negligence if it is true that the company did not adhere to safety standards,” Mdladlana said.
”The inspectors will continue the investigation and those responsible will face the full might of the law.”
Mbeki was not hurt. He appeared unperturbed, and even smiled, as he was quickly helped from the platform which was in shambles.
A woman, Suraya Scott, was slightly injured and carried away on a stretcher.
The tent roof of nylon fabric, supported by aluminium pillars, succumbed to a strong gust of wind shortly after noon, and two large loudspeaker clusters attached to them fell to the ground.
Mbeki, flanked by Gauteng premier Mbhazima Shilowa and Minister in the Presidency Essop Pahad, was about to address about 3 000 people on the lawn below the Union Buildings.
The president was taken home as attempts were made to restore the public address system.
Other dignitaries were escorted to a nearby tent for refreshments.
A police truck was used as a makeshift stage after workers succeeded in getting some of the speakers functioning again.
Mbeki returned about an hour after the incident to deliver a brief address, mostly in Xhosa.
He called for an end to the abuse of women and children. ”Our culture does not allow the rape and abuse of women and children,” Mbeki said.
”Even when our forefathers were fighting against apartheid, they did not hurt women and children.”
Applauding the large number of men in the crowd, he said: ”I hope their presence here will communicate the message that the rights and women and children should be respected.”
Shilowa described the roof collapse as unfortunate, saying the main thing was that it resulted in no serious injuries.
Scott was on stage to receive a Gauteng Women Achievers Award.
Shilowa later told the crowd: ”She is receiving treatment in hospital, but she is fine.”
He told reporters he did not see the roof coming down as he was preparing to present a number of awards.
”There was no panic,” he said, blaming a freak wind for the incident.
”No one could have predicted this.” – Sapa