Eastern Cape: Following the recent floods in the Eastern Cape which claimed the lives of over 90 people, several Deputy Ministers are today visiting the affected areas to assess ongoing relief efforts.
According to South African Government News Agency, Human Settlements Deputy Minister Tandi Mahambehlala, along with Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Njabulo Nzuza, and Deputy Minister of COGTA [Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs] Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, are in the Eastern Cape to evaluate relief efforts and consider the needs of communities impacted by the catastrophic floods that occurred two weeks ago. These floods resulted in significant destruction of homes and loss of over 90 lives.
The visit by the Deputy Ministers forms part of a broader governmental initiative to improve the response and support measures for those affected by the floods that devastated regions such as Mthatha and Butterworth. Officials from Home Affairs, SASSA [South African Social Security Agency], Human Settlements Emergency Housing, and Health have been actively working in the affected areas since the disaster to provide assistance to those in need.
During their visit, the Deputy Ministers will inspect the Mnquma Local Municipality’s Home Affairs Mobile Service and Theko Fihla Village. They will also visit the Slovo Anglican Church in Mthatha and temporary residential accommodations for flood victims at Innoview Lodge, among other locations within the KSD Local Municipality.
Last Thursday, the Eastern Cape Provincial Government hosted a Provincial Day of Mourning to honor the flood victims. President Cyril Ramaphosa also visited the province, expressing his condolences and emphasizing the gravity of the situation. He acknowledged the tragic impact of the floods but noted that the swift actions of response teams helped prevent an even worse outcome.
In light of the severe situation in Mthatha, government officials, key Ministers, the Premier, and local government representatives have been actively visiting the area to provide support and assess the extent of the damage.