FEDUSA meets Paarl Print representatives

By Khanyisa Tabata
26 February 2010

Representatives of the Federation of Unions of South Africa the South African Typographical Union and Paarl Media met on in Paarl to discuss the requirement to make available the comprehensive findings of the specialists who investigated the fire that occurred at Paarl Print on 17 April 2009.

The meeting follows the intervention of the Department of Labour who earlier this week announced that they will investigate the matter further. Labour spokesperson Temba Gabula said on Tuesday that the main objection is to get to the bottom of this and to find the person who was responsible for that unfortunate incident and that person must be held accountable.

Paarl Print has, on several occasions, publically committed to determine the origin, cause and spread of the fire with the primary aim to ensure that a similar event does not reoccur.

Paarl Print spokesperson Nelia Burger says the company is committed to participating in the inquiry held by the Department of Labour, which commences on 1 March 2010 in Paarl. Paarl Print agreed with representatives of FEDUSA and SATU the importance of ensuring that the specialists involved in the investigation are available to testify at the inquiry as well as submit a detailed record of their findings as evidence.

FEDUSA’s Dennis George says they are appreciate the commitment of Paarl Print and its shareholders for the financial support afforded to the families of the persons who lost their lives in the fire.

“Paarl Print reacted immediately to assist families a by making a payment of R10 000 to each family and by contributing a further R10 000 to each of the deceaseds’ families to carry funeral costs.

“A Third Party Fund was established immediately after the fire, to allow members of the public to contribute financially to assist the affected families and the individuals injured in the fire. The Third Party Fund of approximately R1.4 million has already been paid out in full in the form of payments to the families of the deceased as well as employees that were hospitalised,” said George.