Learners from Thambisa Secondary in Malamulele were forced to walk through floodwaters to get to school. Photo supplied.
Persistent rainfall over the past week has caused severe flooding in the north-eastern part of the Vhembe district, particularly in villages such as Matiyani, Josefa, and Mhinga in Malamulele. Instead of celebrating Valentine’s Day last Friday, residents scrambled to save their belongings as floodwaters swept through their homes.
The floods caused extensive damage to homes, roads, and infrastructure, with an estimated 60 households severely affected. Of these, 23 homes were completely destroyed, while 37 sustained significant damage.
One of the affected residents, Khazamula Mathebula, described the ordeal as terrifying. “The floodwaters came suddenly. We feared for our lives. One of the rooms in our rondavel was completely destroyed, while the other two developed large cracks. It was heartbreaking, and we didn’t know where to go because water was everywhere. Even the roads were impassable. We applied for an RDP house years ago but were not successful. We need urgent help,” he said.
Matiyani ward councillor Henry Chauke recalled how some residents had to climb onto their beds to escape the rising water. “People lost everything—their household valuables, food, and even schoolbooks. We managed to rescue many residents. One of the most heartbreaking moments was a mother who needed to get to Matiyani Clinic from Josefa with her sick child. The roads were too flooded for vehicles, so we had to walk with her to the clinic,” he said.
Collins Chabane Municipality spokesperson Robert Mathye confirmed that disaster-management teams had been deployed to assess the damage. “Thirty-seven houses were partially damaged, with roofs blown off, leaving families exposed. Several power lines were down, disrupting electricity, and roads and bridges were destroyed, isolating communities,” he said.
Mathye added that while no injuries had been reported, immediate relief efforts were underway. “Food parcels, washing powder, and other essentials have been distributed, and one temporary shelter has been set up, with plans for additional shelters in progress. The municipality is documenting the damage and coordinating further relief efforts.”
He said the next steps would include continued delivery of necessities, psychological support for affected families, and fast-tracking the construction of temporary shelters. “We are working closely with provincial and national teams to repair homes, restore power, and ensure that no one is left behind in the recovery process,” he said.
