Around 158 households were impacted by heavy rains in uMkhanyakude District over the weekend with 70 completely destroyed. Many of the affected homes were in Jozini.

Thalasizwe Buthelezi, KZN Cogta MEC, visited the area, accompanied by uMkhanyakude District Mayor Siphile Mdaka, and Jozini Mayor Nkosinathi Myeni.

The delegation inspected the extent of damage to homes and infrastructure, including the P449 which was reduced to a single lane.

Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities have been reported.

Relief efforts under way

Among those impacted was the Hlengethwa family whose home was submerged during the flood. Mother, Maningi, and her three children narrowly escaped with their lives and are currently staying with relatives after losing most of their belongings.

Buthelezi engaged with the family, providing groceries and essential relief items as part of the ongoing district-wide disaster response.

Additional support measures are being rolled out, with the Department of Human Settlements providing Temporary Residential Units (TRUs) for displaced families.

On Saturday, the Head of the National Disaster Management Centre, Dr Elias Sithole, on Saturday, has formally classified the impact of the severe weather and flooding as a national disaster, after assessing severity of storms experienced from late December 2025.

The declaration empowers organs of state across the three spheres of government to strengthen disaster management measures and implement coordinated mitigation strategies.

MEC Buthelezi commended the teams who have worked tirelessly to warn communities, evacuate residents, and provide critical support.

Plan for more rains

He warned more rain is expected in the northern parts of KZN.

“We urge members of the public avoid crossing or playing near flooded areas, rivers, stormwater drains or dams.

“Parents and teachers are called upon to ensure children do not play in or near floodwaters, and to closely monitor weather updates from the South African Weather Service and disaster management authorities,” he said.

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