New Hanover, 25 November 2025 – KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, today, November 25, 2025, visited the disaster-affected areas within the uMshwathi Local Municipality to provide interim relief and assess the extent of the damage caused by the recent heavy rainfall and subsequent floods.
The MEC’s visit follows incidents of heavy rain and flooding reported on Sunday November 23, which led to significant damage and disruption across various wards, including New Hanover (Shiyabazali), Mishani, Dalton/Cool Air (Loliwe, Sphothom, Mkhushwa), and Kamelhoek.
The official findings indicate a total of 465 individuals from 108 households have been affected. A total of 117 houses were destroyed (50 partially damaged and 67 totally destroyed), leaving 79 people homeless.
Tragically, one fatality has been confirmed, and two persons are currently missing.
During his visit, MEC Buthelezi was accompanied by the Mayor of uMshwathi Local Municipality Cllr Mandla Zondi.
The MEC also held an important meeting with the dedicated Search and Rescue (SAR) teams, who are working tirelessly to locate and recover the bodies of the two missing victims.
“Our thoughts are with the affected families who have suffered trauma and loss during this devastating period,” said MEC Buthelezi.
“I want to personally commend the brave work of our SAR teams and all emergency personnel. Their dedication in these difficult conditions is truly commendable, and we pray for the swift recovery of the missing persons.”
The MEC commended the swift and coordinated response from various government departments and Social Partners, including the Red Cross, Themba Njilo Foundation, Alimdaat Foundation and Gift of the Givers who have been instrumental in the roll-out of support to affected families.
Immediate relief measures are currently underway, which include the provision of:
- Hot meals and blankets.
- Hygiene packs and sponges.
- Emergency shelter support.
Clean-up operations have commenced in the affected areas as families, supported by the municipality, begin the challenging process of recovering from the trauma and picking up their lives.
The department can confirm that the body of the 53-year-old female victim, which was recovered yesterday, is from Matatiele in the Eastern Cape. Out of respect for the family and in line with government protocols, the victim’s name will not be disclosed at this time.
The Department, in collaboration with the uMshwathi Municipality, will be meeting with the victim’s family today to provide all necessary support and assistance.
With the province expecting more heavy rains in the coming days, MEC Buthelezi has issued a strong call for continued vigilance among communities, emphasising that the unpredictable weather conditions pose a significant risk to human life.
“We urge all residents to remain highly alert and adhere to all warnings issued by South African Weather Service,” the MEC stressed.
Looking ahead, the MEC also called for the strengthening of Municipal bylaws to prevent communities from settling in flood-prone and high-risk areas, particularly along riverbanks. This measure is crucial as a long-term strategy to safeguard lives and property against the increasing frequency and intensity of severe weather events.