MEC Buthelezi visits flood-stricken uMshwathi, pledges support for affected families
MEC Buthelezi assesses flood damage in uMshwathi, pledges relief as two remain missing
Image: COGTA/media
KWAZULU- NATAL MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, visited disaster-affected areas within the uMshwathi Local Municipality on Tuesday to provide interim relief and assess the extent of damage caused by recent heavy rainfall and flooding.
The visit follows incidents of severe rain and flooding reported on Sunday, November 23, which left widespread destruction across wards, including New Hanover (Shiyabazali), Mishani, Dalton/Cool Air (Loliwe, Sphothom, Mkhushwa), and Kamelhoek.
According to official findings, 465 people from 108 households have been affected. A total of 117 houses were destroyed, with 50 partially damaged and 67 destroyed, leaving 79 people homeless. One fatality has been confirmed, while two people remain missing.
"Tragically, one fatality has been confirmed, and two persons are currently missing", said Buthelezi.
Buthelezi was accompanied by uMshwathi Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr Mandla Zondi, and met with Search and Rescue (SAR) teams who continue to work tirelessly to locate the missing victims.
“Our thoughts are with the affected families who have suffered trauma and loss during this devastating period,” said Buthelezi.
“I want to personally commend the brave work of our SAR teams and all emergency personnel. Their dedication in these difficult conditions is truly commendable, and we pray for the swift recovery of the missing persons.”
The MEC praised the swift and coordinated response from government departments and social partners, including the Red Cross, Themba Njilo Foundation, Alimdaat Foundation, and Gift of the Givers, who have been instrumental in providing support to affected families.
He said that immediate relief measures are underway, including the provision of hot meals, blankets, hygiene packs, sponges, and emergency shelter support. Clean-up operations have also commenced in affected areas, as families, supported by the municipality, begin the recovery process.
"Clean-up operations have commenced in the affected areas as families, supported by the municipality, begin the challenging process of recovering from the trauma and picking up their lives", he said.
Authorities confirmed that the body of the 53-year-old woman recovered on Monday was from Matatiele in the Eastern Cape.
With more heavy rains expected in the coming days, Buthelezi urged communities to remain vigilant.
“We urge all residents to remain highly alert and adhere to all warnings issued by the South African Weather Service,” he said.
Looking ahead, Buthelezi called for stronger municipal bylaws to prevent communities from settling in flood-prone and high-risk areas, particularly along riverbanks. He said this would be a crucial long-term strategy to safeguard lives and property against the increasing frequency and intensity of severe weather events.