Thulamela storm leaves families homeless
Villages in the Vhembe district were hit by heavy rain and winds, leaving several homeless and in need of aid as more rain is expected.
LIMPOPO – Heavy rain and strong winds battered parts of ward nine in the Thulamela Municipality on Thursday evening, leaving several households homeless, and destroying school uniforms, blankets and books.
Dozens of homes damaged across three villages
Ward councillor Mashudu Matshavha confirmed that the worst-affected villages include Tshikambe (24 households), Tshidzini (8) and Tshamutshedzi (6).
Some families were left with no shelter, while others are attempting repairs themselves as they await government intervention.
“This is a devastating situation. Life is already hard in these rural villages, and this storm has made it worse,” said Matshavha, who has been on the ground since the incident.
Local leaders call for government intervention
“We urgently need intervention from the Vhembe District Disaster Management team and Thulamela Municipality. More rain is predicted this week, and many families remain exposed.”
In Tshikambe village, local leader Godfrey Ramakuela described how the storm hit just after 20:00, with strong winds tearing through homes.
“The wind came from the Malavuwe area. People heard a loud noise, and when they stepped outside, they found rooftops had been blown off. Many sought temporary shelter with relatives or neighbours,” he said.
Community appeals for shelter and support
Ramakuela said four homes in the village were severely damaged, and he appealed to Good Samaritans and NGOs to assist.
“People have lost everything – books, school uniforms, couches and blankets. Some families need tents for temporary accommodation.”
One of the victims, the 59-year-old Merriam Mutshayi, is now homeless. The single mother of two recounted the terrifying moment the wall of her two-roomed house collapsed.
“I was sitting on the sofa when I heard a loud noise. I went to check and saw that the wall behind where I had just been sitting had fallen. I could have died,” she said.
Mutshayi, whose daughter is studying at the University of Venda and whose son is in Gauteng looking for work, now relies on a neighbour for a place to sleep.
“If my children come home, there will be nowhere for them to stay. I’m deeply worried,” she added.
Another affected resident, Elisa Thangwana (56), said the roof of her four-roomed home was completely blown off.
“All our belongings are soaked – blankets, couches, school uniforms, everything. One of my children is in Gr 12 and now has no study materials, just as the exams begin,” she said.
Many in the area said this was the first storm of such intensity to hit their villages, and residents are calling for urgent assistance as they begin the long road to recovery.
