President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in Pinetown this morning to assess the damage following the heavy rainfall which resulted in roads collapsing, properties damaged and lives lost.

It has been widely reported that at least 59 people have lost their lives so far.

After a briefing by Premier Sihle Zikalala and other officials, Ramaphosa visited some of the flood-stricken parts of KwaZulu-Natal to offer support to affected communities.

In a statement on Tuesday, Ramaphosa said his thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones, people who have been injured and individuals, businesses and organisations who have lost property.

“This is a tragic toll of the force of nature and this situation calls for an effective response by government in partnership with communities.

“This situation calls on us to come together as a nation and offer assistance to those who desperately need our care and support,” he said.

Ramaphosa was accompanied by Minister in the Presidency, Mondli Gungubele; Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele, the newly elected ANC eThekwini chairperson, Zandile Gumede and eThekwini mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda.

The president visited Clermont, Lindelani, Ntuzuma, eMawoti and Umzinyathi.