As the festive season approaches, the holiday spirit in Limpopo has been overshadowed by devastating storms that have left widespread destruction and displaced many residents. On 23 November, heavy rains and violent storms swept through the province, destroying homes, claiming lives, and causing widespread chaos.
In the Vhembe district, over 30 families have been forced to seek refuge in temporary shelters after their homes were destroyed. The storms also led to the loss of lives, with three fatalities reported in the Sekhukhune district and another in the Capricorn district.
The Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta) has swiftly responded to the disaster, submitting initial reports to the provincial Disaster Management Centre. These reports will assist in informing an inter-departmental committee responsible for managing such emergencies.
Coghsta spokesperson Tsakani Baloi stated, “On 23 November, our province experienced heavy rains that caused significant damage, affecting 36 families. Villages in the Vhembe district, such as Mtititi, Jilongo, New Orleans, and Govha, were particularly hard-hit. Our disaster management team acted quickly to relocate residents to temporary shelters, including tents and community halls.”
As of now, eight individuals are receiving medical care at a local hospital due to injuries sustained during the storms. Baloi also reminded the public that the province had been declared a state of disaster just weeks ago. The recent rains have worsened an already dire situation, with authorities urging citizens to remain vigilant as more rain is expected.
While temporary solutions, such as shelter in tents and community halls, have been provided, many residents have expressed frustration at the lack of long-term solutions. Thomas Ngovheni, a local resident, remarked, “Our houses are in poor condition. In previous years, the damage wasn’t as severe. We appreciate the temporary shelters, but we need the government to build proper homes for us. The rain used to be a blessing, but now it feels like a curse, leaving us homeless.”
Another resident, Shiburi Maluleke, 37, voiced concerns over the lack of privacy in the temporary shelters. “We’re here because we have no other place to go. We have no privacy, and it’s difficult. We just hope our homes will be repaired soon so we can return to our normal lives,” she said.
The recent storms have not only caused immediate distress but also highlighted the urgent need for sustainable solutions to protect communities from such disasters in the future.
