Far East of Mamelodi and some parts of Nellmapius affected by floods
Instead of preparing to go to work and preparing her daughter to go to school, a local mom opted to get a bucket and scoop out water from her shack.
Heavy rains with no signs of letting up this week have flooded many houses in the far east of Mamelodi and prevented learners from going to school.
This follows after the South African Weather Services (SAWS) issued a warning for continued adverse weather conditions.
In the Far East Mamelodi, Stoffel Park Bridge behind Mams Mall was also flooded preventing motorists from crossing, some parts such as Nellmapius and the Mamelodi flood victims were also affected.
Instead of preparing for work and children to go to school, parents opted to get buckets and scoop water out of their homes.
Zodwa Molapo from Riverside informal settlement next to Stoffel Park said the safety of her children comes first and she could not allow them to go to school.
Molapo said she could not go to her part-time job on Wednesday morning because her shack was also flooded.
“We are unable to sleep at night with heavy rains and we must always think safety first and check our neighbours,” said Molapo.
In Pienaarspoort and Skierlik informal settlements many roads are under water and that has prevented access.
Eddie Mnguni from Mamelodi CPF said they have identified a couple of places in the far east of Mamelodi affected by the heavy rains.
Mnguni said they have activated community patrollers in the different areas to assist without risking their lives but instead contact the Tshwane emergency services and their local councillors.
“We are encouraging neighbours to check on each other, be safe and stay warm,” said Mnguni.
In Skielik informal settlement, Siyabonga Mahlangu said: “Our streets had been turned into a river, no one can drive in or out of Skierlik because of the muddy roads”.
Mahlangu said Tshwane officials should come and see “what we are experiencing this side”.
“We desperately need proper roads and infrastructure,” said Mahlangu.
Tshwane emergency services warned Pretoria residents to stay alert for possible flooding, especially in low-lying areas, and to exercise caution on the roads.
The SA Weather Service has issued an orange Level 6 warning for disruptive rainfall that could flood roads, bridges and settlements.
The Tshwane Emergency Services spokesperson, Lindsay Zwelithini Mnguni announced that they will continue monitoring weather reports and remain on high alert for any related emergencies.
“We urge residents to be vigilant and report any fire or rescue incidents by calling 107 toll-free or 012 358 6300/6400. When reporting, stay calm, speak clearly and provide the correct address and contact details for follow-up,” he said.
Mnguni outlined the potential impacts of the severe rain, including:
– Localised flooding, especially in low-lying areas, informal settlements, and vulnerable roads.
– Risks of mudslides, rockfalls, and soil erosion.
– Severe lightning strikes leading to fires.
– Traffic disruptions from flooded roads.
– Vehicle accidents due to poor visibility and slippery conditions.
– Service disruptions from power failures or infrastructure damage.
– Inaccessibility of some communities.
– Life-threatening fast-flowing streams and rivers.
Mnguni emphasised safety measures, urging residents to:
– Stay indoors and avoid metal objects during lightning.
– Avoid outdoor activities like fishing or golf in the rain.
– Never shelter under isolated trees or tall objects during thunderstorms.
– Avoid crossing flooded roads and streams.
He encouraged residents to stay informed, monitor weather forecasts, and follow safety tips from the SAWS and other trusted sources.
The so-called flood victims also claimed they were living in fear of losing their lives or shacks.
Residents said they would be awake the whole night because they would never know what could happen next.
Previously community leader of Mavuso informal settlement, Eddie Mathiba commenting on heavy rains said “We have no choice but to pray and face floods because Tshwane metro has announced strict measures that the community hall is no longer accessible when there are floods.
“When it rains, there is no time to check on your neighbours because you are also thinking of the safety of your family and, at the same time, trying to patch up your shack to avoid flooding,” said Mathiba.
Mathiba also said Tshwane Human Settlements must stick to its plan of relocating people from February 15, as they promised last time.
Flood victims no longer wanted to experience the same disasters as previously, because it left many in fear and it has taken very long for the authorities to relocate people to a safer place.
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