The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in the Eastern Cape appreciates the support and solidarity given to the victims of the floods that devastated Mthatha recently and calls for lessons to be drawn from this disaster.

These are the worst floods Mthatha has experienced in recent years. The disaster has affected 2 686 people who have been left homeless; 90 people have died, 60 of them adults and 30 children. The death toll has been steadily rising with each passing day. Those who have been displaced are temporarily accommodated in community halls and churches. Rescue services, including police, have been hard at work saving lives and recovering bodies of those who lost their lives.

COSATU is heartened by the visit of the provincial government led by the Premier, Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, MEC’s and MPL’s to the affected community as well as the subsequent interventions made. The Premier assured residents that all spheres of government are playing their part in assisting the affected.

The national government led by President Cyril Ramaphosa along with some ministers visited Mthatha to assess the situation and help where necessary. Government has declared a state of disaster in the Eastern Cape. This classification makes it possible for government to support the impacted provinces with an integrated response. President Ramaphosa gave his word that government would act swiftly to support affected families and said officials would assess the kind of help required.

Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder and Chairperson of the Gift of the Givers Foundation was among those who arrived with the President. His organisation is working hard to assist the affected community in alleviating the burden caused by the disaster.

The OR Tambo District Municipality led by Councillor Mesuli Ngqondwana and the Local Municipality have been supportive throughout.  Traditional leaders, religious leaders, community leaders and their organisations are playing their part in helping and easing the pain caused by the disaster.

Emergency Medical Services and SAPS are still continuing with their sterling work in search of those who are still missing.

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.

There are other social ills that demand a similar response to be effectively addressed. Lessons learnt from this disaster should be a source of strength and courage to address other challenges impacting our communities.

COSATU is further encouraged by the gesture of United Arab Emirates government that has pledged R55 million to support flood-relief efforts.

We look forward to speedy interventions that will help the affected to reorganise their lives. The Federation urges government once more to explore and start rolling out initiatives to mitigate climate change as more of these inclement weather episodes are bound to occur if nothing is done.

COSATU Eastern Cape expresses its deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the families, relatives, colleagues, and friends of those who tragically lost their lives during this catastrophic disaster.

Issued by COSATU Eastern Cape 

Contact:  

Mkhawuleli Maleki 

COSATU Provincial Secretary 

Mobile: 082 339 5482 

Email: mkhawuleli@cosatu.org.za