President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sorrow following the deaths of several people in the Eastern Cape as a result of severe weather and flooding.
Six bodies were recovered near Mthatha and another near Tsolo after heavy rains caused flash floods in the region. In a separate incident, a school transport vehicle was swept away by floodwaters near Mthatha. While three children were rescued, several of their classmates remain missing.
“In the aftermath of another incident, three children have been rescued while a number of their fellow learners are missing after the vehicle in which they were travelling to school was swept away by floodwaters,” said presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.
The president extended his condolences to the families of the victims and the broader Eastern Cape community.
“These incidents and others that may unfold during winter highlight the need for South Africans to display caution, care and cooperation as the worst impacts of winter weather take effect across the country,” Ramaphosa said.
He acknowledged that extreme seasonal conditions were affecting residents, businesses, and infrastructure across several provinces, noting that “some of these impacts have claimed lives and remain life-threatening and harmful to businesses and the livelihoods of workers.”
The president assured the public that the government at all levels, including the National Disaster Management Centre, was responding to the unfolding crisis.
“While government discharges its responsibilities and services to citizens, we welcome the support we see at times such as this from businesses, community- and faith-based organisations, charities and organisations such as the National Sea Rescue Institute,” Ramaphosa stated.
“I thank everyone from all walks of life who are working to keep all of us safe and comfortable this winter,” he added.
The president urged South Africans to exercise caution on the roads, observe safety regulations, and look out for one another during this difficult period.
“This is a time where we need to take care of ourselves in our homes and reach out to neighbours and friends who need help of any kind. We must pull together where disaster strikes. Let’s show our care for each other this winter and let Ubuntu see us through to spring,” Ramaphosa stated.
POWER News
Phindile Ngidi
www.power987.co.za