Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli has assured residents of Vredenburg and surrounding communities that government remains committed to supporting the families affected by severe weather conditions in the Western Cape.
Speaking in Vredenburg on Thursday, Mhlauli said government was intensifying relief efforts in affected areas, following torrential rain, flooding and freezing temperatures.
Addressing community leaders, residents, representatives of the Al Imdaad Foundation and members of the media, Mhlauli said the disaster had damaged homes, disrupted livelihoods and left many vulnerable families uncertain about the future.
“When disaster strikes, it is often the poorest and most vulnerable who are affected the most,” she said, adding that the loss of essentials such as shelter, food, school uniforms and household items posed a serious setback for struggling households.
Mhlauli said government was working with the National Disaster Management Centre, provincial and local governments and community-based organisations to mobilise resources for immediate relief and longer-term recovery support.
As part of the intervention, relief packages and essential supplies were handed over to affected residents in partnership with the Al Imdaad Foundation.
She praised the organisation for its contribution to the relief programme, describing its support as “a powerful expression of ubuntu”.
“This initiative demonstrates an important truth: when government and civil society work together, we can respond more quickly, more effectively, and with greater compassion,” she said.
Mhlauli also reflected on South Africa’s democratic milestones, noting that 2026 marks 30 years of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and 30 years of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the country’s social assistance system.
She said the Constitution remained the foundation of democracy, guaranteeing rights including housing, healthcare, education, social security and access to information, while placing a responsibility on government to improve citizens’ quality of life.
“Our Constitution is more than a legal document. It is a living covenant between the people and the state,” she said.
Mhlauli also highlighted the role of social grants in reducing inequality and supporting vulnerable households over the past three decades.
“For many households, a social grant is the difference between hunger and a meal, between despair and hope,” she said.
Mhlauli assured the people of Vredenburg and the wider West Coast that government would continue working to rebuild homes, restore livelihoods and strengthen communities against future challenges. - SAnews.gov.za
