MINISTER MACPHERSON ENGAGES CHURCH LEADERS FOLLOWING INANDA WALL COLLAPSE

Article and Pictures by Caroline Mokotedi

14 July 2026

Minister of Public Works & Infrastructure Dean Macpherson on Tuesday, 14 July, visited the site of the wall collapse at the Nazareth Baptist Church in Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal, where he met with church elders and received an update on the incident that left 12 people injured. Four of the injured remain in hospital, while the cause of the collapse is still under investigation.

During the visit, Minister Macpherson extended his sympathies to those affected and welcomed the church's support for a full investigation by the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) before construction resumes at the site. He said the engagement formed part of ongoing stakeholder consultations linked to the recently approved Integrated Social Facilitation Framework, which aims to strengthen collaboration and help prevent similar incidents in future.

"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 extend my heartfelt thoughts and prayers to those injured in the collapse,” said Minister Macpherson.

Following his visit to the church, the Minister visited the injured victims that are currently in hospital to wish them a speedy recovery and offer his support to them and their families during this difficult time.

The Minister reaffirmed the Department's commitment to working with the church, the CBE and other built environment stakeholders to strengthen construction practices, improve building safety and prevent future building collapses. He said collaboration between government, industry and communities remains essential to ensuring safer infrastructure and protecting the lives of South Africans.