By Johnathan Paoli
In the wake of the recent floods in the Eastern Cape, thousands are displaced and health and emergency systems across the province remain critically overstretched.
Humanitarian workers are now under threat from criminal extortionists known as the “water mafia.”
Gift of the Givers reported receiving threats while delivering clean drinking water to flood-affected communities in Mthatha.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu confirmed that members of a “water mafia” believed to profit from municipal water tanker contracts attempted to intimidate the group into halting its relief operations.
“The police will not tolerate any attempt to intimidate or obstruct those who are working tirelessly to save lives and bring relief to our people. Any attack on them is an attack on the very principle of ubuntu,” Mchunu said.
Police have since been deployed to protect the organisation’s staff, and investigations are underway to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The OR Tambo District Municipality has strongly condemned the incident, describing it as “a moral betrayal of the highest order.”
Search and recovery operations are still ongoing in several areas, particularly around Singisi Dam, where divers continue to comb floodwater for the missing.
As many as 2686 residents have been left homeless, and many families are still waiting for word on missing loved ones.
Premier Oscar Mabuyane and President Cyril Ramaphosa have both visited the region, declaring it a disaster area and calling for a national day of mourning to honour the victims.
A provincial day of mourning will be held on Thursday.
Ramaphosa has promised a swift and integrated government response.
In stark contrast to the community solidarity on the ground, the government has faced fierce criticism for its slow institutional response.
The Democratic Alliance blasted the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) on Wednesday for its delayed deployment of air support.
According to DA defence spokesperson Chris Hattingh, the South African Air Force failed to respond for more than a week due to a lack of aircraft and crew.
“This is not just a funding issue, it’s a failure of leadership. Our people were failed by a government that has allowed disaster response capabilities to collapse,” Hattingh said.
Only 14% of municipalities in the Eastern Cape meet the minimum standard for disaster readiness, and the province operates with fewer than 200 ambulances and just six compliant disaster management centres.
Despite these setbacks, the outpouring of support from civil society has been significant.
Cosatu in the Eastern Cape praised the coordinated response by government and civil society actors, including traditional and religious leaders, who have mobilised to support victims.
“The overwhelming support that has been provided throughout this period and the collective efforts of all the stakeholders involved in assisting the affected communities is what we need to build better communities and is much appreciated,” Cosatu provincial secretary Mkhawuleli Maleki said.
The United Arab Emirates has pledged R55 million in relief funding to bolster local efforts.
In the aftermath, essential health services have collapsed, with numerous clinics and hospitals damaged or inaccessible.
Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has confirmed that over 1000 homes must be rebuilt, and land is now being assessed to house the displaced.
Compounding the crisis is an imminent cold front.
Reports have warned of heavy snowfall expected next week in the Eastern Cape, Lesotho and other parts of the country.
Mthatha, still grappling with flood devastation, could soon face further logistical and humanitarian challenges if the snowfall disrupts ongoing recovery and shelter operations.
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