BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
LOBAMBA – The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has assured the public that Bhunu Mall remains structurally sound and safe for human use following the fatal structural collapse that claimed the life of a worker recently.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development Appolo Maphalala gave the assurance in Parliament while responding to questions from Khubuta Member of Parliament Mzwandile Masiphula Mamba on the current condition of the mall.
The incident occurred on August 18, 2026, when part of a concrete structure collapsed onto Identity Clothing, trapping employees inside. Tiyandza Millenia Masilela, 26, was later retrieved from beneath the rubble and died. Other workers were injured.
Maphalala said a structural analysis was conducted and engineers determined that the building remained fit for use. He explained that areas requiring attention had been identified, but stressed that the mall would have been condemned had the assessment found it unsafe.
The minister further explained that the concept of partial occupation is widely used in the construction industry, including in buildings undergoing construction or renovation.
He said Government was, therefore, confident that members of the public could continue using the mall while the outstanding technical processes were completed.
Maphalala said Government was still awaiting a comprehensive technical report establishing exactly what caused the accident. He said the report had taken longer because local engineering firms had not shown interest in undertaking the assignment, resulting in the parties engaging a consultant from outside the country.
He also clarified that Bhunu Mall is a private development and that procurement of contractors and engineers is the responsibility of the developer.
The minister said the Construction Industry Council (CIC) is involved in regulatory clearances, while municipalities are responsible for approving building plans and conducting inspections at prescribed stages.
Meanwhile, the minister said consultations had been held with some affected families and that the forthcoming technical report would help determine the way forward.
The CIC has separately confirmed that it commenced investigations into the incident in accordance with its statutory mandate.
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