The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in KwaZulu-Natal notes with
deep sadness and serious concern the tragic incident that occurred in one of the
Homii residential building on Dr. Pixely KaSeme Street in Durban, where two children
from one family fell into a lift shaft reportedly due to a malfunctioning elevator. We are
deeply saddened that the young boy tragically lost his life, while his sister remains in a
critical condition. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved Dlamini family during this time of unbearable pain and grief.
This heartbreaking incident highlights a growing and unacceptable trend in many
buildings across our province where ageing infrastructure, neglected maintenance,
and non-functional lifts have become ordinary. Many of these buildings serve as
workplaces for employees, residences for students, shops, and homes for working class families who already face dire socio-economic challenges.
We are worried about the reported non-cooperation, acts of intimidation and
remorseless by the landlord. We view this conduct as highly inappropriate and arrogant.
The persistent malfunctioning of lifts and general neglect of safety standards pose a
grave occupational and public health risk. COSATU views this as a serious health and
safety compliance matter that demands urgent and decisive intervention. We will work with the family, Department of Employment and Labour, together with
relevant law enforcement and municipal authorities, to demand answers and
accountability from those who are responsible.
We further call on employers, landlords, and property owners to stop prioritising profit
over the lives and safety of our people. Compliance with occupational health and safety
regulations and public safety is not optional, it is a moral and legal obligation.
As COSATU KZN we demand urgent answers and accountability for this preventable tragedy. The lives of the working class must never be treated as expendable.
Issued by the COSATU KZN Secretary
Edwin Mkhize
082 399 7756
edwin@cosatu.org.za
