The minister for co-operative governance and traditional affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, accompanied by Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu and other government officials, undertook an oversight visit to flood-affected areas on Saturday, January 17.

The visit aimed to assess flood damage and identify support needs.

This follows persistent heavy rainfall across parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, which has resulted in flooding, fatalities and damage to critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges and community facilities.

@lowvelder

WEATHER ALERT | DON’T CROSS RIVERS FOR ANY REASON Due to heavy rainfall that has resulted in severe flooding and a number of fatalities across several parts of Mpumalanga, the minister for co-operative governance and traditional affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, accompanied by the Mpumalanga premier, Mandla Ndlovu and various other officials are undertaking an oversight visit to flood-affected areas today, January 17. In this video, recorded in Msholozi where two residents’ lives have been claimed by the same flooding stream, Hlabisa shares disaster management plans. > Video: Bridget Mpande #mpumalanga #southafrica #flooding

♬ original sound – Lowveld Media

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Several households have been displaced, livelihoods disrupted and access to basic services affected. The floods have also heightened safety risks for communities living in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

Msholozi and Bushbuckridge were among the areas visited. Two residents lost their lives after being swept away by a flooding stream in Msholozi, which was the first stop on Hlabisa’s visit.

@lowvelder

One of many bridges damaged by heavy rainfall in Msholozi, where two residents’ lives have been claimed by the same flooding stream. > Video: Bridget Mpande #floods #mpumulanga #heavyrainfall #flooding #mpumalanga🇿🇦

♬ original sound – Lowveld Media

According to Ndlovu, 20 people have died as a result of the recent flooding.

He urged residents to avoid waterways, warning that conditions during heavy rainfall can become dangerous without notice.

ALSO READ: Mpumalanga professor explains flood impact on Kruger Park

Ndlovu said flood damage is currently estimated at around R2b, adding that the province’s budget cannot accommodate the cost of repairs. He called on the private sector and funding organisations to assist.

“With our fiscals, we cannot be able to fix the damages that we have incurred as the province. We want to request all good Samaritans, business people and foundations to contribute,” he said.

Temporary measures are being implemented in affected areas while permanent solutions are planned.

Ndlovu expressed gratitude for support from national government.

Hlabisa said on Saturday that an intergovernmental disaster committee would convene to determine what interventions are needed in affected regions. Municipal, provincial and national government structures are engaged in the planning process.