No single person to blame for Mamelodi boys’ drowning – report

No single person is to blame for the drowning of two Mamelodi children at a construction site in Mamelodi.

That’s according to a report that probed the exact happenings into the incident that took place in February this year.

Best friends, Lawrence Tony Tshwenu (5) and Siyabonga Mabila (7), drowned in the quarry at a construction site situated on the K54/Tsamaya Road between the Old Bronkhorstspruit and Solomon Mahlangu roads in Mamelodi, Tshwane.

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Gauteng MEC for Public Transport and Roads, Jacob Mamabolo said he welcomed the final report that was looking into the matter after Advocate Bokaba SC was appointed to uncover the facts, determine who was responsible for this tragic incident, and to make recommendations.

“The report found that the issues surrounding the tragic incident of February 27, 2021 are complex, vast and multi-layered. They range from social factors, contractual matters, inter-governmental relations and human factors, including actions and inaction,” he said.

“The report notes therefore that the tragedy cannot be attributable to a singular act or omission.”

The report makes a number of recommendations aimed at ensuring accountability, transparency and ensuring this tragic incident is not repeated.

The recommendations include:

– Proper community engagement and continued consultation to be done at the commencement of the project and throughout the project.These engagements must be coupled with campaigns to educate the community about the importance of public infrastructure; safety and security; the benefits of these types of projects to the community; and must ensure that the community is aware of all the responsible parties or agents.

ALSO READ: Two best friends drown in a quarry

– Safety and security must be the responsibility of everyone involved in the project and legal prescriptions must be followed at all times.
Effective safety and security measures must be employed at all times and reviewed for effectiveness regularly.

– Proper oversight must be put in place in projects of this nature.
It is clear that oversight was not fully accomplished in a number of respects and the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport (GPDRT) had no way of recognising these shortcomings and dealing with them effectively.

– Intergovernmental cooperation. A concerted effort should be made to cooperate for the benefit of the project and the residents of Mamelodi. Further that the City re-join the site meetings so that they are aware of the challenges, particularly those that fall within their competencies.

– Relocations, access to basic services and recreational facilities. It is recommended that the City expedites the relocation process and communicate its efforts effectively to the various role players including the GPDRT, GMH Tswelelo, King Civil and the affected community. These relocations must be coupled with plans to ensure access to basic services. Furthermore, recreational facilities must be added in the area to ensure that children have a safe environment to play in.

– Ceasing all illegal mining in the area. It is recommended that the City together with law enforcement agencies see to the stopping of the illegal sand mining in the area and the filling of the holes created.

– Speedy resolution of contractual issues affecting security.
It is recommended that disputes, particularly those that affect security are dealt with in an expeditious manner to ensure that safety and security are not compromised.

– Effective use of procurement processes. It is recommended that tender documents be stringently scrutinised for safety measures, particularly where construction is going to involve work around water areas.

– Possible restorative action facilitated by the GPDRT. Although the investigation accepts that nothing could ever bring Lawrence and Siyabonga back to life, it is recommended that a restorative process would go a long way in healing the Mabila and Tshwenu families. City of Tshwane, King Civil, GMH Tswelelo and the GDRT should offer reparations to the bereaved families.

“In line with the principles of transparency and openness, we welcome the report as we believe that the families should always be assisted to find answers and not left without any support or unanswered questions.

Furthermore, we are extremely grateful to Adv Bokaba SC and his team who conducted the investigation. The team has assured us that they have engaged extensively with the families and presented the report to them.

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