8 March 2001
I was shocked and saddened to receive the report of the terrible accident that occurred this morning in the ammunition factory at Swartklip, one of Denel's divisions located in Philippi, in the Western Cape.
I wish to express my condolences and deepest sympathies to the families, relatives and friends of Regina Robinson, of Belhar, who passed away shortly after the explosion at the Day Hospital in Mitchell's Plain, from injuries sustained in the blast. My thoughts are also with the other six employees who have been hospitalised in Cape Town.
I have noted that an investigation into the cause of the explosion has already begun drawing on local and international experts in the field. I wish to ensure all employees and their families that if any of the strict compliance measures employed at Swartklip are found wanting, the necessary steps will be taken to prevent such events happening in the future.
Enquiries:
Fani Zulu
Director: Communications
Ministry of Public Enterprises
082 451 0457