President Cyril Ramaphosa will visit the flood-stricken areas of the Eastern Cape on Friday, 13 June 2025, following a devastating storm that has caused widespread destruction and mounting casualties.
Nearly 78 people have lost their lives, and significant damage has been reported across infrastructure in the OR Tambo and Amathole District Municipalities.
The Presidency announced that the President’s visit aims to assess the situation on the ground, oversee relief efforts, and engage directly with affected communities.
He will be accompanied by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Velenkosini Hlabisa, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, and senior disaster response officials.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed the visit, stating:
“The President is being kept abreast by Minister Hlabisa and Premier Mabuyane on search and rescue efforts, as well as the additional support required to ensure a comprehensive response to this devastating disaster.”
Mabuyane confirmed that on Wednesday afternoon, 49 people were confirmed dead. Among the victims were children who had been using scholar transport that was swept away by the floods.
“The number of people confirmed to have been in the minibus taxi that was swept away is 13. Three learners were rescued alive yesterday, and sadly, four learners have been confirmed deceased together with the driver and a conductor of the minibus taxi. Four learners are still missing,” Mabuyane said.
Ramaphosa expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and extended heartfelt condolences to the families and communities impacted by the tragedy.
During the visit, the President and his delegation will monitor the progress of ongoing rescue and relief operations and coordinate further interventions where necessary, said Magwenya.
“The President will commence his oversight visit to the flood-affected sites accompanied by Minister Hlabisa, Premier Mabuyane, and disaster response leaders,” Magwenya said.
“The delegation will engage with communities to assess their needs and reaffirm the government’s commitment to support recovery and rebuilding efforts.”
Meanwhile, the Presiding Officers of Parliament, led by Speaker of the National Assembly Thoko Didiza and Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces Refilwe Mtshweni, have expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life in the Eastern Cape and the widespread devastation caused by severe weather in both the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families who have lost loved ones, and we stand in solidarity with all those whose homes and livelihoods have been affected,” said Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo in a statement.
“At this difficult time, we commend the tireless efforts of emergency services and community members in both provinces who are working relentlessly to rescue survivors and provide relief.”
With the Eastern Cape’s death toll now at 78 and severe weather, including heavy rains, damaging winds, and snow, affecting KwaZulu-Natal, Parliament has called for national unity in supporting affected communities.
“Disasters of this magnitude demand a collective response,”said Mtholo.
”We call on individuals and organisations with the means to assist to extend a helping hand to those in need.”
They also urged citizens to adhere to government guidance and cooperate with emergency services to ensure safety and the effectiveness of relief operations.
Get your news on the go, click here to join the News WhatsApp channel.
Politics
