EASTERN CAPE – President Cyril Ramaphosa has visited the flood-stricken town of Mthatha, where nearly 80 people, including children, have died following days of torrential rain across parts of the Eastern Cape.
The President was joined by Ministers, the provincial Premier, and local leaders during a site visit earlier this week. Their mission was to assess the scale of destruction and offer support to affected families.
Entire communities have been left in mourning after flash floods destroyed homes, roads, schools, clinics, and other public infrastructure. Among the victims were schoolchildren who were swept away while being transported.
Speaking to residents, Ramaphosa recounted the story of a woman who lost both her mother and children in the floods, with one child still missing. “This is a deep wound for us as a nation,” he said, while addressing grieving families.
Rescue and recovery efforts have been ongoing, with forensic teams conducting autopsies so families can bury their loved ones.
Ramaphosa described the disaster as a sign of the changing climate, noting that floods during South Africa’s winter months were once unheard of in the region. “We’re seeing this pattern year after year, especially in Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal,” he said.
Government has promised continued support and said it was considering a national mourning period to honour the victims.
The President also thanked humanitarian organisations like Gift of the Givers and faith leaders for their efforts on the ground.
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