Durban – KwaZulu-Natal Public Works & Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has pledged government support to strengthen construction safety following the collapse of a wall at the Nazareth Baptist Church in Inanda that left 12 people injured.
A retaining centre-block concrete wall, about four to five metres high, collapsed at the Shembe church in Inanda around midday yesterday, Monday, 13 July 2026.
Congregants who were present at the time were injured by the falling debris.
Four of the injured remain in hospital.
Minister Macpherson visited the site of the collapsed wall on Tuesday, 14 July 2926, meeting with Nazareth Baptist Church, known as Shembe, elders, and extending his sympathies to those affected.
“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,” he said.
“I extend my heartfelt thoughts and prayers to those injured in the collapse and will visit them in hospital personally to wish them well in their recovery.”
The Minister revealed that the church welcomed an investigation by the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) into the cause of the collapse before construction resumes.
He added that the Department of Public Works & Infrastructure would partner with the church and built-environment stakeholders to strengthen building practices and prevent future incidents.
The consultations form part of the department’s recently announced Integrated Social Facilitation Framework, which aims to improve construction standards and reduce the risk of building failures nationwide.
“We are committed to working with all stakeholders to prevent building collapses and improve regulations to ensure that we protect the lives of all South Africans,” said Minister Macpherson.
“By working together, we can build a better South Africa.”
While CBE investigations continue, the Minister stated that the incident underscores the urgent need for stronger oversight and safer construction practices across the country.
