By Johnathan Paoli
At least seven people have tragically lost their lives, and hundreds more face displacement as severe winter weather continues to wreak havoc in the Eastern Cape.
Heavy rains, flooding, strong winds, and snowfall have plunged the region into a dire humanitarian crisis.
Six bodies were discovered in Decoligny Village near Mthatha, with a seventh found in Tsolo near the Bedlana River.
Responding to the crisis, the Eastern Cape Provincial Government has mobilized disaster management teams across affected areas.
Khuselwa Rantjie, spokesperson for the provincial government, confirmed the fatalities and highlighted ongoing rescue efforts.
These efforts include the urgent search for a 22-seater scholar transport minibus swept away by floodwaters early Tuesday morning.
“The provincial government regrets the tragic loss of life during this period and wishes to send condolences to the bereaved families. The severe weather has damaged road infrastructure, displaced residents, and claimed lives,” Rantjie said.
The scholar transport minibus was reportedly en route to Jumba Senior Secondary School when it was swept away by rising floodwaters at the Efata Bridge in Mthatha.
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) confirmed the vehicle belonged to one of its members.
According to preliminary reports, the driver attempted to call for help but was overtaken by the surging waters before rescue teams could arrive.
At least three children were saved after clinging to trees, while several others remain unaccounted for.
Emergency services are deploying helicopters to airlift residents stranded on rooftops and trees in the hardest-hit areas.
Barkly pass in the Chris Hani District is closed for heavy vehicles, only light vehicles are driving through at the moment. PHOTO: Facebook
The Eastern Cape Department of Health has deployed additional rescue personnel from Gqeberha, East London, and the Chris Hani District to support overwhelmed local teams.
Department spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo confirmed that several residents have already been successfully rescued.
In the Butterworth area, more than 200 people from the Skiet informal settlement are sheltering in a community hall after floodwaters submerged their homes.
Humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers has activated its disaster response team, delivering aid to communities in Butterworth and Mnquma Municipality. Project manager Ali Sablay said teams are providing displaced residents with food, blankets, and medical assistance.
Adding to the devastation, a minibus taxi crash on the N2 near Cintsa claimed five lives. Authorities believe the driver swerved to avoid a fallen tree branch before the vehicle overturned. The driver and a female passenger survived but sustained serious injuries.
This tragedy follows a major traffic gridlock on the N10 on Monday night, where motorists were stranded for hours after two trucks collided in stormy weather.
Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service has issued a Level 9 warning for the Eastern Cape, citing continued risks of heavy rainfall, flooding, icy temperatures, and snowfall across multiple regions.
The severe cold front, driven by a cut-off low-pressure system, is expected to persist through midweek.
An estimated 300,000 residents are currently without electricity across the province. Damage to infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods has triggered widespread evacuations and left many in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
In KwaZulu-Natal, MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Thulasizwe Buthelezi confirmed that, despite experiencing similar conditions, no fatalities have been reported. Disaster response teams remain on high alert in both provinces.
Elsewhere in the country, a 24-year-old woman is missing in the Western Cape after being swept away while attempting to cross a low-lying bridge.
Snowfall has been reported in nearly all provinces except Limpopo.
Authorities are urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel and for communities to remain vigilant as the extreme weather continues.
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