Eastern Cape Needs Over R5 Billion to Repair Flood-Damaged Infrastructure: “We Are Committed to Your Recovery”

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Eastern Cape

Eastern Cape Needs Over R5 Billion to Repair Flood-Damaged Infrastructure: “We Are Committed to Your Recovery”. The Eastern Cape government says more than R5 billion will be needed to repair public infrastructure damaged in the June floods, with hundreds of schools, health facilities, roads, and homes affected, as the province pushes forward with recovery efforts amid a rising death toll and ongoing challenges.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Zolile Williams provided a comprehensive update during a media briefing in Mthatha on Wednesday, nearly three weeks after flash floods ravaged large parts of the OR Tambo and Amathole District Municipalities. [11] The briefing, held on 26 June 2025, highlighted the immense human and economic toll of the disaster that struck between 9 and 10 June 2025, triggered by a powerful cold front bringing torrential rains, heavy winds, and snow. [39] Williams spoke with a heavy heart, acknowledging the profound emotional impact on the province and extending condolences to affected families. [40]
“The events of 9 to 10 June brought destruction across all corners of our province,” said Williams. [40] “We must acknowledge the lives of the people we have lost — among them are 40 innocent children, including infants, who were full of dreams and hopes.” [40] The official death toll has climbed to 103, including five government employees — an educator, two nurses, and two firefighters — who were among the first responders. [19] Of these, 100 victims have been positively identified and buried, while one child remains missing, with search efforts ongoing along rivers like the Mthatha River. [25] Three bodies are still unclaimed, and two have not been identified through the national population register, potentially requiring DNA tests due to decomposition. [40]
The floods hit hardest in OR Tambo District, accounting for 77 deaths, followed by Amathole with 10, Alfred Nzo with five, Chris Hani with five, Joe Gqabi with two, and Sarah Baartman with two. [40] Among the deceased, 63 are adults and 38 are children, including 32 learners. Tragic incidents included a school bus from Jumba Senior Secondary School being swept away near eFata Bridge in Mthatha, claiming the lives of at least eight learners and two drivers. Four more students were initially missing, but three were rescued after clinging to trees. The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) mourned the loss, calling for trauma counselling and urging caution during adverse weather.

Extensive Damage to Education and Health Infrastructure

The floods severely impacted education, with 229 schools damaged and one completely destroyed, affecting nearly 50,000 learners. The estimated repair cost for education infrastructure is R437 million. Williams noted positive steps in recovery: “The replacement of damaged stationery for 727 learners has been concluded,” he said. “All the 12 330 learners who missed examinations due to the disaster have since written their exams. The delivery of uniforms to the 731 affected learners will be finalised by the end of July.” Earlier reports indicated over 127 schools affected, underscoring the widespread disruption to learning.
In the health sector, 63 public facilities were damaged, with repairs projected at R88 million. Immediate work has started on some sites to restore services quickly. Over 20 healthcare facilities were initially reported damaged, contributing to challenges in providing care during the crisis. Power outages and flooded roads further hampered access to medical help.

Housing and Displacement: Over 6,800 Households Affected

More than 6,800 households felt the brunt of the flooding, with 4,724 homes completely destroyed and 2,145 partially damaged. Over 1,350 people remain in mass care centres, while 122 are in temporary emergency accommodation. “Numbers are decreasing as people either seek shelter with their relatives or return to their homes where possible,” Williams explained. Earlier figures showed over 4,000 displaced, many from informal settlements near rivers.
The Department of Human Settlements has reprioritised R120 million for 1,230 Temporary Residential Units (TRUs), but R461 million is needed to cover the full 4,724 required. Of these, 600 are allocated to OR Tambo, with others going to Alfred Nzo, Amathole, Buffalo City Metro, Chris Hani, and Joe Gqabi. Land has been identified in Mnquma and King Sabata Dalindyebo, but community resistance has delayed progress, forcing legal action. “It is regrettable that the municipality has had to resort to courts of law to seek recourse, whereas every citizen has a right to shelter,” Williams stated. “This resistance poses a real threat to the timely rollout of the provincial government’s resettlement plan.” He called on communities to allow the work to proceed.
The Department of Home Affairs has issued 100 death certificates, processed 1,197 Smart ID card applications, and handled 103 birth certificate requests to aid recovery.

Transport and Agricultural Losses Add to Economic Burden

Floodwaters damaged 146 roads and 63 bridges, leaving many communities isolated. The number of inaccessible roads has dropped to 42 as repairs begin, but a funding shortfall of over R800 million persists, despite R100 million reprioritised by the Department of Transport. Total transport infrastructure repairs are estimated at R935 million, with R102 million already redirected.
Agricultural losses exceed R30 million, with thousands of livestock drowned and farmland eroded. Williams assured farmers that support is underway to restore production.
Municipal infrastructure, including water treatment plants, housing, sanitation, and waste systems, suffered R1.89 billion in damages. Overall, the repair bill stands at R5.18 billion, with R3.2 billion for sector departments and R1.8 billion for municipalities. A later allocation of R504 million has been earmarked for recovery.

National Response, Challenges, and Climate Context

The floods were declared a national disaster on 27 June 2025, unlocking emergency funds and coordination. President Cyril Ramaphosa visited OR Tambo District on 13 June 2025, assessing sites like eFata Bridge and pledging support. He linked the disaster to climate change, noting South Africa’s vulnerability to extreme weather. However, response delays drew criticism, including the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) lacking resources like helicopters initially. Alerted on 10 June, SANDF deployed one Oryx helicopter only on 17 June due to shortages of flight engineers. This highlighted gaps in disaster preparedness.
The crisis exposes deeper issues: poverty, informal housing, and inadequate infrastructure amplify impacts in rural areas. Experts call for investments in climate adaptation, early warnings, and resilient building to protect vulnerable groups.

Relief Efforts and Community Support

Humanitarian aid flows from NGOs like Gift of the Givers, Al Imdaad, Black Coffee Foundation, and Ashraful Aid, plus private donors including Old Mutual and MTN. The National Lotteries Commission pledged R10 million for emergency relief. AVBOB provides burial support, including storage and transport. Williams thanked partners: “We have been humbled by the compassion shown by our social partners, faith-based organisations, private donors, and ordinary citizens,” he said. “Their efforts do not go unnoticed.” Appeals continue for donations of food, clothing, and essentials.
The province enters the second phase of response, focusing on repairs, long-term housing, and resilience. “We are doing all in our power to accelerate relief, strengthen infrastructure, and build resilience against future disasters,” Williams affirmed. He assured residents: “To every child who has lost a parent, to every parent who has lost a child, and to every family whose home now lies in ruin, we are committed to your recovery.”

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