Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane is facing fierce backlash after it emerged he took 34 days of leave during a devastating flood crisis that left over 100 people dead, including 31 children, and displaced more than 4,300 residents across the province.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), led by spokesperson Sinawo Thambo, condemned Mabuyane’s absence—taken to attend his sons’ initiation celebration—as a “failure of leadership” at a time of immense suffering.
With communities like Mthatha reeling from collapsed infrastructure, washed-away homes, and billions needed in repairs, critics argue the premier’s priorities were out of step with the province’s urgent needs.
Mabuyane defended his government’s flood response, blaming limited resources—such as access to only one rescue helicopter—and citing climate change as a key factor in the disaster’s intensity.
Despite leading memorial services and promising strict oversight of recovery funds, public anger continues to mount, particularly in light of the Eastern Cape’s repeated flood disasters in 2021, 2022, and 2023, with many saying lessons were never learned.
As displaced families wait for aid and damaged communities struggle to rebuild, the controversy has ignited a national debate on accountability, leadership, and disaster preparedness.
