Homeowners should be aware that all retaining walls have to be constructed in line with SANS 10400 building regulations:  “Part K of SANS 10400…covers the structural strength and stability of all walls, including those that form part of a house or other building, and both garden and boundary walls. They also deal with retaining walls which, by definition are intended to ‘resist the lateral displacement of materials’. If the wall is not designed the right way, it simply won’t resist the pressure of soil or other materials pushing against it, and it might collapse, injuring or even killing people. It is for this reason that it is essential for all retaining walls to be designed by a competent person, preferably an engineer, and for plans to be drawn up and submitted to the relevant local authority for approval before building begins.” Cover for retaining walls is generally excluded by insurers, so discuss this with your broker for clarification.