Ulundi, 7 December 2025 – KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has urgently deployed disaster management teams to areas affected by severe weather conditions across the province.
Last night, heavy rains caused localised flooding in Sibongile Township, under the eNdumeni Local Municipality (Dundee). Tragically, a 35-year-old woman was swept away during the incident. Search and rescue operations are currently underway, while mop-up efforts have commenced to assist affected households.
A second disaster management team has been dispatched to uMlalazi Local Municipality, where severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall caused significant damage in wards 16, 21, and 14. In a separate incident, an elderly person was struck by lightning in ward 8. The individual was immediately transported to hospital and is receiving medical care. MEC Buthelezi has conveyed his heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery.
The MEC has urged residents across KwaZulu-Natal to remain vigilant as inclement weather conditions are expected to persist throughout the spring and summer seasons, with above-average rainfall forecasted. Communities are advised to monitor official weather alerts and take precautionary measures to safeguard lives and property.
“Our disaster management teams are on high alert and will continue to respond swiftly to emergencies. We appeal to residents to exercise caution and report any incidents to local authorities,” said MEC Buthelezi.