LIMPOPO – Five children narrowly escaped drowning after their home in Maswanganyi village, Giyani, was suddenly flooded in the early hours of Friday morning, leaving the family with nothing and in urgent need of assistance.

“I could not watch my sister’s children die”

The flooding occurred between 04:00 and 05:00 following heavy rains that have caused extensive damage in the Mopani and Vhembe districts. Emely Tintswalo Hlungwani, the children’s aunt and guardian, said the water rose rapidly and filled the house within a short time that they couldn’t escape.

“The water was everywhere, within and around the house, and soaked everything we had, including food, clothes, sofas, beds and all the things we need to survive,” explained Hlungwani.

As the water continued to rise to window level, the children became trapped inside the house. Hlungwani said she heard them crying for help and immediately tried to reach them, but could not immediately do so as the water was high and flowing fast.

“I rushed to assist but could not get to them because the water was above my waist and dangerously flowing very rapidly. When I tried to enter, leg first, it threatened to pull me away,” she continued.

“The situation was so tense that I could not even remember the phone numbers of people nearby. My head was spinning, but I told myself I could not watch my sister’s children die,” she said.

In the midst of all this, Hlungwani said she eventually gathered the courage to enter the floodwater, using reeds to balance herself until she managed to reach the house and rescue the children.

Surviving the flood but losing everything

By the time emergency services arrived shortly after 07:00, the water had already subsided, although the damage to the house and household items was extensive.

“Our main problem now is food. We would appreciate any assistance from the government because we literally have nothing left. Our maize meal, sugar and other basic supplies were destroyed by the water,” said Hlungwani.

She added that since the house is located in a low lying area close to a stream, there would be a need for a G5 construction base to help stabilise the area around the house and prevent future flooding.

“Of course we don’t have money for that,” she said appealing for help from anyone.

The larger issue of unsafe residential planning

Meanwhile, emergency services arrived to find that the situation was already under control and returned after assessing the scene. However, the incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by communities living in flood-prone areas, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

Giyani Mayor Thandi Zitha has been vocal about the dangers of traditional leaders demarcating residential stands without involving the municipality, warning that such practices put lives at risk.

She recently raised the issue at a municipal event held in Mavalani village, where she called on traditional leaders to work closely with the municipality when demarcating residential sites.