By Johnathan Paoli
Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has emphasised that in the wake of last week’s devastating floods, immediate priorities must include providing temporary relief, supporting bereaved families with burial arrangements and initiating the long-term relocation of affected households.
Addressing the media and communities, Simelane confirmed that over 1000 homes were destroyed and approximately 2686 people were now homeless following what she described as a “tragic and deeply emotive disaster”.
“It’s a huge tragedy. But our teams, health, education, home affairs, police, human settlements and civil society partners like Gift of the Givers, are all on the ground. The focus right now is ensuring families can bury their loved ones with dignity,” Simelane said.
The minister has embarked on a critical three-day oversight visit to flood-stricken communities across the Eastern Cape, including Decoligny and Joe Slovo informal settlements, following the natural disaster which claimed at least 90 lives and left thousands of households in crisis.
Simelane confirmed that the government was mobilising Temporary Residential Units starting this week, with bereaved families prioritised.
Technical teams are continuing on-site assessments to identify suitable land for permanent relocation, though Simelane expressed reservations about one proposed location being too close to a stream.
“We have a duty to move people to safer areas. Rebuilding near the dam or stream would be irresponsible. Assessments will continue, and if the sites are viable, we aim to begin permanent housing construction within the next two months,” she added.
The minister addressed reports of food looting and extortion of aid workers.
While stating she had not previously been informed of any such incidents during the trip’s daily technical briefings, she promised a full investigation.
“If food is being looted by people not affected, that’s criminal and law enforcement will be involved. If the need is genuinely greater than our provisioning, we’ll reassess allocations. Either way, we are taking this seriously,” she stated.
Her comments followed accusations that members of the Gift of the Givers were harassed while delivering water supplies, with some being extorted.
King Sabatha Dalindyebo mayor Nyaniso Nelani condemned the alleged acts and confirmed police investigations were underway.
“We cannot allow criminal elements to hijack humanitarian efforts. Those responsible will be found and dealt with,” Nelani assured.
As the government scrambles to respond, criticism has mounted over the Eastern Cape’s preparedness.
Democratic Alliance leader of the opposition in the Eastern Cape legislature, Vicky Knoetze, declared the province’s disaster management “a crisis”, citing chronic underfunding and unfilled key positions.
“Of the R1.165 billion allocated to CoGTA for 2025/26, only R11 million went to provincial disaster management. That is political failure, not bad luck,” Knoetze said.
Premier Oscar Mabuyane, who visited flood victims in Butterworth’s Skiet informal settlement, admitted his government was unprepared.
Displaced residents reported further hardships.
Despite the devastation, Simelane praised the community’s resilience, sharing how residents had joined search efforts to recover missing bodies and support their neighbours.
“It’s ubuntu in action. People who’ve lost everything are still out there helping others search through mud and rubble. It’s deeply moving,” she said.
Simelane confirmed that government grants of up to R12,000 per household were being allocated for emergency rebuilding, and that a consolidated disaster management plan for the province was being reviewed for long-term improvements.
Meanwhile, two people have died and over 400 homes were damaged following extreme weather in KwaZulu-Natal last week.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa and KZN premier Thamsanqa Ntuli visited the hardest-hit area of Impendle.
Ntuli confirmed that 140 families were affected in Impendle alone, with 31 left without shelter and currently staying with neighbours.
He also announced the deaths of two people in eThekwini due to the disaster.
Provincial officials are assessing the damage and coordinating relief efforts for affected residents as the region begins to recover from the widespread destruction.
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