An urgent special meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee on Disaster Management (ICDM) to respond to the country’s adverse weather conditions was convened by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa.
“The meeting was appraised by all provincial and sector departments on the state of play on the ground as disaster relief efforts are underway, stemming from the current incident.
“The meeting noted that solid progress has been made in ensuring families who have lost their homes are housed in alternative accommodation,” the Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs said of Tuesday’s meeting.
The (ICDM) includes political leaders from all three levels of government and is responsible for ensuring a coordinated response across all sectors for the effective implementation of disaster management interventions.
This group involves representatives from the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL).
The Ministry believes that the current weather conditions serve as a “stark” reminder that climate change is real and that more needs to be done to save lives and livelihoods.
In addition, technical experts were mobilised to ensure that urgent attention is paid to the damaged water infrastructure and that water tankers be directed where they are needed.
Meanwhile, other teams are being deployed in some areas to provide psycho-social services.
Social partners and various non-governmental organisations like the Gift of the Givers and Al-Imdaad Foundation are also helping.
The ICDM has commended them for their efforts to provide hot meals, blankets and other support measures,” said the Ministry.
Eastern Cape severe weather conditions
All provinces have faced severe incidents of extremely cold weather, with coastal provinces experiencing rough seas and rainfall.
According to CoGTA, the Eastern Cape has been the hardest hit by the current severe weather incident.
“Sadly, a scholar transport minibus transporting children was unfortunately swept by water, leading to loss of life.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic bus accident, and our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and we extend our sincere condolences to them,” said Hlabisa.
According to the latest reports, the search for pupils who were swept away in floods near Mthatha in the Eastern Cape is set to resume after their minibus taxi was carried off a bridge.
Some media reports say three children survived the ordeal after they were found clinging to a tree.
The department said the rescue operations and search for the rest of the learners led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) around Mthatha are still ongoing.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape Office of the Premier said the death toll in the OR Tambo District Municipality has risen to nine.
The Office of the Premier reported that hundreds of people have been displaced and are currently accommodated in various community halls throughout the OR Tambo District Municipality.
In the Amathole District, over 200 people have been relocated from the Sikiti Informal Settlement to A.B. Bam Primary School.
In addition, numerous people from the Eugene and Zithulele Informal Settlements have been housed at the Butterworth Town Hall.
Power outages have been reported in some areas due to the torrential rains in both district municipalities.
Cleanup actions
The meeting acknowledged and praised the members of various cleanup teams, including those from the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) and several municipalities in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
These teams have successfully ensured that all major roads are reopened, allowing traffic to flow smoothly. Many of the roads had been impassable since the weekend due to heavy snowfall.
“While this is good news, members of the public are once again explicitly reminded to drive with extreme caution as roads are wet and, above all, are advised not to attempt to pass through streams or strong flowing rivers.”
READ | Mop-up operations underway in KwaZulu-Natal after heavy snowfall
READ | Eastern Cape government activates disaster teams in response to cold front
CoGTA has announced that the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has indicated that the inclement weather would be coming to an end as the cut-off low-pressure system is moving out to sea. The weather is expected to improve from Wednesday, 11 June 2025. – SAnews.gov.za
