Durban, 26 April 2025 – The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, today announced the relocation of families whose residences were destroyed by the recent mudslide in eThekwini, uMlazi P Section.
This morning, MEC Buthelezi engaged with the Mnguni, Madondo, Mazibuko, and Msomi families, whose homes were impacted by the mudslide yesterday. The incident resulted in injuries to six individuals. While three were initially discharged, they have since been taken for further medical examination by an uMlazi doctor following complaints of ongoing pain.
During the meeting, MEC Buthelezi outlined the initiation of a process to relocate the affected families to neighbouring communities under the authority of Inkosi Cele. “We are deeply concerned by the events in this area,” stated MEC Buthelezi. “As a department, through the Cogta Disaster Housing Programme and in collaboration with our partners, we are committed to providing prompt support to communities across the province. We have commenced discussions with Inkosi Cele of eNgonyameni regarding the potential relocation of these families who have experienced significant trauma. It is evident that their current location is no longer safe and faces the risk of further instability.”
Furthermore, the MEC has instructed the Provincial Disaster Management Centre to collaborate with the eThekwini Metro to conduct a thorough evaluation of the entire area. Aerial footage indicates that several other houses in the vicinity are showing signs of structural damage, which could present a future hazard.
The Department will continue to work with all relevant line function departments to ensure that the affected families receive all the necessary support, including that of frontline departments such as SASSA and Home Affairs, as these families have lost crucial documents. Notably, a Grade 12 learner from one of the families lost all her uniform and study materials.
Issued by the KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs