KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has been hit hard by severe weather conditions since December, leading to the tragic deaths of 11 people, including a six-year-old boy. Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), expressed his condolences to the grieving families. The province, already struggling with the devastating effects of these weather events, has seen extensive infrastructure damage, power outages, and the tragic loss of life. Among the victims is six-year-old Banele Mpungose, who was struck by lightning in KwaMpofu near Eshowe on Sunday. Other fatalities include 22-year-old Lwandle Pasi from Darnal in KwaDukuza and Siyabonga Mavundla from Ohwebede, Mandeni, who drowned in separate incidents on Saturday.
Cogta spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila confirmed that the province is still grappling with the aftermath of these extreme weather events, which began on Sunday. In addition to the loss of life, the storms have left a trail of destruction, particularly in rural and coastal areas. The weather’s impact on infrastructure has been severe, with 370 homes completely destroyed and 933 households affected. Municipal roads, bridges, schools, and water infrastructure have all suffered extensive damage, further complicating recovery efforts. Mzila emphasized that disaster management teams have been deployed to assist affected families, providing vital resources, relief, and damage assessments.
The storms have also led to widespread power outages in several municipalities, including Cato Ridge, eMpangeni, uLundi, Msunduzi, Nquthu, Vryheid, Wartburg, Stanger, Hluhluwe, and Nkandla. Eskom technical teams are working around the clock to restore power, but the damage is substantial. The estimated cost of repairs and recovery is currently pegged at R411 million. This puts additional pressure on local authorities and response teams as they struggle to manage the crisis. The ongoing inclement weather poses continued risks, and local officials are urging residents to stay alert.
In light of the continuing severe weather, residents are advised to take extra precautions. Mzila urged the public to remain vigilant as hazardous conditions are expected to persist. Motorists are especially advised to exercise extreme caution, as slippery road surfaces and low visibility continue to pose significant risks. The provincial government, in collaboration with disaster management teams, is working tirelessly to mitigate the damage and support affected communities during this challenging time.