ICDM praises quick response teams during Eastern Cape's severe weather crisis

The Intergovernmental Committee on Disaster Management (ICDM) has expressed appreciation and thanked disaster management teams for their quick response, and urged them to continue searching for missing victims. 

The ICDM made these comments during a Tuesday night meeting convened by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa to assess progress in disaster relief measures. 

Political leaders from across the three spheres of government, including the South African Local Government Association (Salga) and the National House of Traditional and Khoi San leaders, form part of the ICDM. 

Hlabisa said that while all provinces have experienced severe incidents of extremely cold weather, with high winds and coastal provinces experiencing rough seas and rainfall, the province of the Eastern Cape has been hardest hit by the current severe weather incident.

A scholar minibus transporting children was swept away by water on Tuesday in the Eastern Cape, leading to a loss of life. 

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic minibus accident, and our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and we extend our sincere condolences to them,” Hlabisa said. 

ICDM members expressed their deepest condolences to the families and communities, especially in the OR Tambo District Municipality, where the incident occurred. 

Hlabisa said nine deaths have been recorded to date. 

“May the souls of our dearly departed loved ones rest in peace, and may their families find strength and solace during this difficult time. We join you as you mourn this tragic loss,” Hlabisa said. 

The ICDM was briefed on the ongoing search and rescue efforts for the missing scholars from the minibus accident. These operations, spearheaded by the South African Police Service, are in and around Mthatha.

It also called on the public to bring to life the spirit of Ubuntu by supporting the families and communities affected by inclement weather conditions.

Hlabisa said current weather conditions are a reminder that climate change is upon us, and more must be done to mitigate the changes to save lives and livelihoods. 

Following recent incidents, all provincial and sector departments briefed the meeting on the current disaster relief efforts. The meeting acknowledged the significant progress made in securing alternative housing for families displaced from their homes.

Hlabisa said technical experts are being mobilised to ensure urgent attention is given to damaged water infrastructure. Water tankers are directed to provide clean drinking water where needed. 

Other teams are providing psycho-social services where needed. While social partners and various non-governmental organisations like the Gift of the Givers, Al-Imdaad Foundation, etc, are also assisting. 

Hlabisa said the ICDM has commended them for their efforts to provide hot meals, blankets, and other support measures.

The minister said the meeting also complimented members of various clean-up teams and municipalities in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, who have successfully ensured all major roads are open and traffic can flow. 

“While this is good news, members of the public are once again explicitly reminded to drive with extreme caution as roads are wet and above all, are advised not to attempt to pass through streams or strong flowing rivers,” Hlabisa said.

He said the South African Weather Service provided welcome relief from the current conditions, advising that inclement weather will subside as the cut-off low causing the incident heads out to sea. The weather will improve from Wednesday. 

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za