Public Works Minister to disclose findings from preliminary probe into Redcliffe temple collapse
Five people died in the building collapse in Redcliffe, Verulam last Friday.
Image: Leon Lestrade / Independent Newspapers
Findings from the preliminary investigation into the four-storey building collapse at Redcliffe, Verulam will be revealed on Wednesday by Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson.
The eThekwini Municipality said in a statement on Tuesday that Macpherson will brief the media on the outcomes of the preliminary investigation by the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) into the collapse which claimed the lives of five people.
The City said Mayor Cyril Xaba, MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi, MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Martin Meyer and CBE CEO, Dr Msizi Myeza will also deliver updates from their respective portfolios.
It is understood that an extension under construction at the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection at River Range Ranch collapsed last Friday afternoon while concrete was being poured.
The municipality has previously said that the structure did not have approved building plans.
Vic Panday, founder of the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection, senior devotee Vasudev Datta Das, electrician Jayseelan Perumal and an unidentified worker died in the collapse.
The Post newspaper reported that Kishore Haribhujan, a local farmer also died in the incident.
According to messages shared on Facebook, the funerals for Panday and Das are being held on Tuesday at the River Range Ranch.
In a message, Sewa International - South Africa paid tribute to Panday and Das: “It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that Sewa International South Africa extends its deepest condolences to the entire Food for Love Africa family on the tragic passing of Prabhu Vic Panday and Prabhu Vasudev Das.
“Prabhu Vic Panday ji, founder of the Food for Love Africa Kitchen and River Range Ranch, and Prabhu Vasudev Das, your devoted Head Cook, embodied the very essence of sewa performed with humility, discipline, and unwavering compassion. Their lives were dedicated to alleviating hunger and restoring dignity to the most vulnerable.
“In just five years, Food for Love Africa has served over 35 million meals across the country an extraordinary contribution to society. Today, the kitchen continues to serve more than 80,000 meals every week to underprivileged communities nationwide an enduring legacy that will continue to nourish lives for generations to come. Sewa International South Africa stands in solidarity with Food for Love Africa, the families of the departed souls, and all volunteers and beneficiaries who are grieving this loss.”