The Southern Sun Hotel in Rosebank experienced a near-fatal disaster when part of the ceiling collapsed, leading to a comprehensive response from the Department of Employment and Labour. Led by Inspector General Aggy Moiloa, a team of inspectors was assembled to scrutinize the accident site and initiate a countrywide operation across Southern Sun hotels. The investigation is ongoing, with a focus on establishing the cause of the collapse and devising preventive strategies for future incidents. The incident highlights the Department’s dedication to assisting businesses and employers in complying with the law and ensuring public safety.
What was the response of the Department of Employment and Labour to the incident at Southern Sun Hotel?
Led by Inspector General Aggy Moiloa, the Department of Employment and Labour assembled a team of specialist inspectors to scrutinize the accident site. The IES initiated a countrywide operation across Southern Sun hotels, examining all facilities and issuing prohibition and contravention notices. The Department’s dedication to assisting businesses and employers in complying with the law was highlighted. The ongoing investigation aims to establish the cause of the collapse and devise preventive strategies for future incidents.
A rather unremarkable Monday at the Southern Sun Hotel in Rosebank was jolted into chaos when an unforeseen disaster occurred, bringing the bustling establishment to a halt. The ‘near fatal’ incident involving the collapse of part of the ceiling triggered an ongoing chain of events.
Led by Inspector General Aggy Moiloa, the Department of Employment and Labour sprang into action, assembling a team of specialist inspectors to scrutinize the accident site. This unfortunate event provides a rare insight into the operations of the Department and its Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) branch, tasked with maintaining labour and employment standards in South Africa.
The ensuing day witnessed a quick and comprehensive countermove by the IES, as they initiated a countrywide operation across Southern Sun hotels. Inspector teams were deployed nationwide, with their mandate being to examine all Southern Sun facilities, starting at 9:30 a.m. This tactical response highlights the Department’s ability to rapidly and efficiently marshal resources during crises.
After their inspection at the Southern Sun Hotel, the Department’s inspectors issued a prohibition notice on the affected restaurant, a contravention notice, and demanded a structural report. The hotel was given a week to provide the necessary paperwork, and a 60-day deadline was established for fixing the damaged area.
As Inspector General Moiloa surveyed the accident site, she underscored the Department’s role in such scenarios. Eschewing an antagonistic approach, she stressed the Department’s dedication to assisting businesses and employers in complying with the law.
Accompanying her were Chief Inspector Milly Ruiters and other high-ranking officials, along with inspectors assigned to monitor the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Occupational Health and Safety, Unemployment Insurance Act, and Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act.
From Southern Sun’s perspective, Operations Director Andrew Hoskin detailed the steps they had taken: cordoning off the collapsed area and tending to the single patron who had been injured, who has since been released from the hospital. Hoskin suggested that ‘considerable hail’ in the area on Monday night might have triggered the collapse. The Engineering Report, yet to be submitted, is expected to provide more clarity on the cause.
Hoskin extended his appreciation for the swift response of emergency services and the police force. Their timely intervention, he noted, substantially lessened the severity of the incident.
As the incident continues to unfold, the Department of Employment and Labour eagerly awaits Southern Sun’s investigation and structural reports to determine their subsequent actions. Ruiters stressed that their visit aimed not only to establish the cause of the collapse but also to devise preventive strategies for future incidents and ensure adherence to existing standards.
Although the incident at Southern Sun Hotel was certainly distressing, it has illuminated the crucial work of the Department of Employment and Labour and its thorough approach to upholding labour standards and ensuring public safety. It serves as a powerful example of the practical situations that the Department handles, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to fostering compliance, protecting workers, and bolstering businesses.
Part of the ceiling collapsed, leading to an unexpected disaster that brought the bustling establishment to a halt. The incident was described as “near-fatal,” and it triggered a comprehensive response from the Department of Employment and Labour.
Inspector General Aggy Moiloa led the Department of Employment and Labour’s response to the incident. She assembled a team of specialist inspectors to scrutinize the accident site and initiate a countrywide operation across Southern Sun hotels.
The Department of Employment and Labour’s response to the incident was swift and comprehensive. They initiated a countrywide operation across Southern Sun hotels, examining all facilities and issuing prohibition and contravention notices. The ongoing investigation aims to establish the cause of the collapse and devise preventive strategies for future incidents.
Southern Sun’s response to the incident involved cordoning off the collapsed area and tending to the single patron who had been injured, who has since been released from the hospital. The Engineering Report, yet to be submitted, is expected to provide more clarity on the cause.
The cause of the incident is yet to be established. Southern Sun suggested that “considerable hail” in the area on Monday night might have triggered the collapse. The Engineering Report is expected to provide more clarity on the cause.
The Department of Employment and Labour’s role in such scenarios is to assist businesses and employers in complying with the law and ensuring public safety. They aim to devise preventive strategies for future incidents and ensure adherence to existing standards.
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