Workers and owners grapple with the horrific aftermath of the Buy n Pay factory fire
The factory was engulfed in flames the previous Saturday (June 24) sadly resulting in the death of four people, with one additional person succumbing to their injuries since the last week’s reports
Social media is still buzzing with news of the fire, with many people speaking out about the horrific injuries sustained by the workers who are still in the hospital.
Workers who were present on the day of the fire believe it was caused by a gas leak however an official investigation has concluded that the fire was a result of an electrical fault.
A meeting between workers, union representatives and the factory owners was held on June 28, to address issues that arose as a result of the fire, such as compensation for injured and deceased workers, worker issues, and overall fire investigations.
Nkosinathi Ntanda, the spokesperson for the Umnotho wabantu kubantu Workers trade union, spoke on behalf of the affected workers.
“Most workers are afraid to come forward with any information because they are immigrant workers afraid of losing their jobs and being in the country illegally.” He confirms that compensation for the workers was discussed but wonders “how can these workers collect UIF when the majority don’t have South African IDs?”
Unfortunately for the remaining workers, the future of the factory remains unknown.
Right now, there is a lot that the factory owner must face,” Liu says of the pressure the owners are under. “They must still wait for the insurance company’s investigations to be completed before they can receive a pay-out to assist the workers with compensation, “concluded Liu.
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