03/09/2026
Strengthening collaboration for safer communities
On 27 August 2026, The Council for the Built Environment (CBE), together with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), recently engaged with the leadership of the Nazareth Baptist Church (Shembe) at eBuhleni, KwaZulu-Natal, following the collapse of the retaining wall at the Church precinct.
The engagement follows Minister Dean Macpherson MP ’s site visit and focused on establishing a clear technical and regulatory pathway for the safe and compliant reconstruction of the affected infrastructure, led by registered built environment professionals.
The engagement, led by the DPWI Director-General Mr Sifiso Mdakane and supported by the CBE CEO, Dr Msizi Myeza , focused on Government’s commitment to working alongside the Church to develop an appropriate, technically sound and sustainable way forward.
At the heart of the intervention is a shared commitment to public safety, structural integrity and responsible development