Nxesi: No place for politics with building collapse

GEORGE, Western Cape - Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi says a police investigation into the cause of the fatal building collapse in George is now underway.

Nxesi has cautioned against politicising the tragedy and is appealing for police to be allowed space to investigate.

Eight people have been confirmed dead since the structure caved in on Monday afternoon.

More than 20 workers are in hospital having suffered minor to life-threatening injuries.

The total number of people who were on-site at the time has now been adjusted to 81.

44 workers are still unaccounted for, as rescue efforts continue.

Nxesi also says the issue of foreign nationals being employed by companies is irrelevant at this stage.

The minister says that the main focus should be on supporting the workers' families and respecting the rights of all human beings.