Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson has pledged to work with the Nazareth Baptist Church (Shembe Church) and built-environment professionals to strengthen construction standards and prevent future building collapses after visiting the site where a wall collapsed, injuring 12 people.
The Minister visited the church complex in Inanda today (July 14) following Monday afternoon’s incident, which left 12 people injured.
Four of the injured remain in hospital receiving treatment.
“Having visited the site of the collapse today, I share the belief of the Shembe Church that it is by the grace of God that no lives were lost when the wall collapsed. I am sincerely grateful to the church for welcoming me to the complex this morning. I extend my heartfelt thoughts and prayers to those injured in the collapse, and I will personally visit those who remain in hospital to wish them well in their recovery,” said Macpherson.
During his visit, he met with church elders, who welcomed a further investigation by the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) into the cause of the collapse before construction work resumes at the site.
The engagement also formed part of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure’s ongoing consultations on the recently announced Integrated Social Facilitation Framework.
This initiative is aimed at strengthening oversight of construction projects, improving collaboration with communities and stakeholders, and reducing the risk of future building failures across South Africa.
“As the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, we are committed to working with all stakeholders to prevent building collapses and strengthen regulations that protect the lives of all South Africans. By working together, we can build a better South Africa.”
