President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised the government’s commitment to providing urgent support to affected communities and addressing the growing threat of climate change.
This comes as he visited the flood-stricken areas of the Eastern Cape on Friday, following a devastating storm that caused widespread destruction and claimed the lives of at least 78 people. The hardest-hit areas include the OR Tambo and Amathole District Municipalities, where infrastructure, homes, and lives have been severely impacted.
Speaking to those affected, residents, ministers, and officials, Ramaphosa extended heartfelt condolences to grieving families, especially for the children tragically swept away in a bus.
“We are here because a lot of people died. The main reason our hearts are broken is especially the tragic deaths of children using scholar transport swept away by the floods.”
“Losing a child is painful. We are here because we are not used to such a lot of deaths in one setting .”
He praised the swift and coordinated response from government structures at all levels and noted the efficiency of recovery and forensic services in handling the aftermath.
“I’ve also heard good reports about how those who passed away were taken into a mortuary and how the forensic team has acted quickly to do all autopsies,” Ramaphosa said.
“This will ensure their loved ones are able to receive their remains and also get ready for memorials as well as burials.”
He expressed appreciation to Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister Siviwe Gwarube, and Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, who were dispatched to assess the situation on the ground. Ramaphosa said they briefed him extensively, along with Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane.
Ramaphosa further acknowledged the role of faith-based organisations and NGOs like Gift of the Givers for their continuing presence and support.
“We say thank you again to our religious leaders, our pastors, that they are here on the ground, continuously supporting the families of those who have lost their loved ones.”
Looking ahead, Ramaphosa said the government will ensure that a proper day of mourning and remembrance will be observed for those who have died in the disaster.
“There will be a day of mourning and a day of remembering those who have passed away. Even if it will be done at provincial level, it should be a time we take seriously — that the people of the Eastern Cape must take seriously.”
He also reaffirmed the government’s responsibility to assist in rebuilding lives and restoring lost homes and infrastructure.
“We are here so we can comfort you. One thing we will do as the government is to make sure that help is available,” he said.
“An assessment will be done to see how you can get help in the quickest way possible, your houses, your lives, and others who have lost valuables.”
Ramaphosa asked for patience from affected communities but assured them that support would come.
“I know that people want things to be done at a specific time. Now that the President has come, they hope everything will be fixed,” he said. “But the government works in its own way, and help will be there.”
On the issue of climate change and such diasters, Ramaphosa called for a change in how communities build in flood-prone areas and acknowledged the growing frequency of disasters in provinces like Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
“This is a catastrophic disaster for us which is caused by climate change. We are not used to floods during winter, we expect the cold and snow here in the Eastern Cape,” he said. “Now we are confronting floods. This is our new reality.”
Ramaphosa highlighted the growing threat of climate change, noting that both the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces are increasingly prone to annual natural disasters.
“Now that we are confronting floods, it goes to show the severity of the issue of floods and climate change. So far, our two provinces, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, are now prone to continuous annual natural disasters that are causing a lot of pain and suffering among our people.”
The President further acknowledged the extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads, hospitals, schools, and homes, attributing these challenges to the impacts of climate change. He emphasized the need for a collective national effort to address this pressing issue.
He highlighted that the government, across national, provincial, and local levels, will continue to offer comfort, assistance, and support to those affected.
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