The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has welcomed the declaration of a National Disaster under Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act of 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002) due to severe weather conditions and widespread flooding affecting various parts of the country.
This classification was initiated by the Head of the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), Dr Elias Sithole, following consultations with the relevant government entities and Heads of Provincial Disaster Management Centres through the National Joint Flood Coordinating Committee.
“This followed a comprehensive assessment of adverse weather conditions experienced since late November 2025,” the statement read.
The severe weather, which included heavy rainfall, strong winds, lightning and flooding, impacted Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and the North West.
This extreme weather resulted in loss of life, significant damage to infrastructure and property, environmental degradation, the displacement of communities, disruptions to schooling and agricultural activities, and closures in parts of the Kruger National Park.
Mpumalanga has recorded 20 fatalities, with over 1 300 houses, roads, and public infrastructure damaged. The death toll in Limpopo stands at 18.
Further rainfall warnings remain in effect.
The classification follows an oversight visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa to Limpopo last week.
Hlabisa visited Mpumalanga on Friday, 17 January, to assess flood-affected areas and witness the scale of devastation firsthand.
Hlabisa commended the provincial leadership for its swift and coordinated response, emphasising that decisive leadership is critical in safeguarding lives and strengthening community resilience during disasters.
He emphasised the urgent need for intervention, including mobilising sufficient resources to support relief and recovery efforts.
Following the classification, according to Section 26, in conjunction with Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act, the National Executive takes on the primary responsibility for coordinating and managing the National Disaster.
“Accordingly, all organs of State across the three spheres of government are required to strengthen support to disaster management structures, implement contingency measures, submit progress reports to the NDMC, and ensure a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to prevention, mitigation, relief and rehabilitation.”
Hlabisa reaffirmed government's commitment to restoring normalcy and rebuilding affected areas, with a focus on creating more resilient infrastructure.
He expressed appreciation for the first responders, disaster management teams, the South African Police Service, the South African National Defence Force, and humanitarian organisations such as Gift of the Givers.
The Minister also acknowledged the communities that demonstrated Ubuntu by supporting those affected.
Foot-and-mouth disease
Due to the ongoing rainfall, wildfires in the Western Cape, and the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), Hlabisa emphasised the need for collective action.
On 17 January 2026, he convened a meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee on Disaster Management (ICDM), where they agreed on immediate intervention measures and additional support.
The Minister conveyed his deepest condolences to families and communities affected by the loss of life and urged residents to remain vigilant, heed warnings, avoid unnecessary travel and prioritise safety.
Response and recovery efforts will continue to be coordinated to ensure that assistance reaches all affected communities.
Hlabisa reaffirmed government stands firmly with the people during this recovery period and remains committed to supporting communities as they rebuild and recover. – SAnews.gov.za
