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. 

“Human Settlements Deputy Minister Tandi Mahambehlala, together 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 will be in the Eastern Cape to assess ongoing relief efforts, taking into account the plight of affected communities after the disastrous floods two weeks ago, that left many homes destroyed, and more than 90 people losing their lives,” said the Presidency.

The Deputy Ministers visit on Sunday is part of government efforts to enhance the responses and measures that have been put in place to assist those affected by the floods that ravaged areas of Mthatha and Butterworth.

“Government officials from Home Affairs, SASSA [South African Social Security Agency], Human Settlements Emergency Housing and Health have been on the ground since the floods occurred to assist affected communities,” said the Presidency.

The Deputy Ministers will visit the Mnquma Local Municipality’s Home Affairs Mobile Service as well as the Theko Fihla Village. In the KSD Local Municipality, the Deputy Ministers will visit the Slovo Anglican Church in Mthatha and the temporary residential accommodation for flood victims at Innoview Lodge among others.

On Thursday the Eastern Cape Provincial Government held a Provincial Day of Mourning in honour of the victims of the floods.

President Cyril Ramaphosa also visited the province where he expressed his sorrow over the floods. 
The country’s commander-in-chief emphasised the severity of the situation, noting that while the impact has been tragic, quick response teams prevented an even worse outcome. 

“We are very, very disturbed that so many people have passed away, but it could have been much worse. The response teams acted quickly.”