Limpopo province is grappling with the devastating consequences of heavy rainfall and severe flooding, which has left communities struggling to access essential services while dealing with an alarming increase in drowning incidents. The relentless downpours have overwhelmed local infrastructure, including low-water bridges that have either collapsed or been submerged, effectively isolating thousands of residents from critical services like healthcare. With many roads impassable and water levels rising across the region, the situation has reached a critical point, heightening concerns for both the immediate safety of residents and the long-term impact on the province’s already strained resources.
One of the most tragic incidents has been the drowning of 14-year-old Nkanelo Hlungwani from Ngove village, who was swept away by the rising waters of the Ritavi River on January 11. Hlungwani and his friends had ventured to the river to observe the surging water levels, unaware of the danger they were about to face. As the group attempted to cross back to the other side, the current became too strong, sweeping one of the children away. Despite rescue efforts by police and local authorities, Hlungwani’s body was recovered, and an inquest has been opened to investigate the cause of the incident. This heartbreaking event has led police officials, including Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng, to reiterate the dangers of venturing near fast-flowing rivers, especially during heavy rain periods.
The rise in drownings has raised urgent concerns across the province. In a separate incident, two children tragically lost their lives after drowning in the flooded waters of Khaxani village, under the Dzumeri Traditional Council. These deaths, along with the drowning of a three-year-old in an open toilet pit in Ndhambhi village, have prompted local leaders to urge greater vigilance, particularly in areas prone to flooding. Thandi Zitha, the mayor of the Greater Giyani municipality, has called for increased parental awareness, warning that such tragedies can be prevented if children are kept away from dangerous bodies of water and all open pits are properly closed. The widespread fear of further drownings has underscored the province’s urgent need for both immediate safety measures and long-term flood mitigation strategies.
Residents in other parts of Limpopo, such as Mokopane’s Lesodi Motlana village, are also facing risks due to overflowing rivers and bridges. In Mokamole, a one-lane bridge that has long been a hazard is now at the center of local concern. The heavy rains have caused the river levels to rise dangerously, with community members fearing for the safety of children who may be tempted to swim in the river or cross the bridge despite its precarious condition. The ongoing reconstruction of the bridge, which was delayed last year, has only heightened anxiety among locals, who are now unable to access nearby healthcare services due to the flooding. Similar fears are spreading in Nkgoru village, where rising water levels on a pedestrian bridge have further exacerbated the isolation of affected communities.
The destruction caused by the floods is not only limited to lives lost but also to infrastructure that is essential for daily life. In the Bakenberg area, two bridges at the Kgole River have collapsed, leaving 28 villages stranded and cut off from access to Mokopane town. With the affected communities unable to cross the damaged bridges, the ability to access groceries, medical care, and other vital services is severely compromised. The local government and emergency services are working tirelessly to address the immediate needs of those impacted, but the persistent rains are complicating efforts to provide relief and restore normalcy. In the Witpoort area of Lephalale, three people—including two boys—drowned in the Phalala River on January 1, further illustrating the fatal consequences of the flooding. While two bodies have been recovered, a 10-year-old boy remains missing, prompting an ongoing search and recovery operation.
As the province continues to battle the devastating impact of the floods, officials are urging residents to take extreme caution. Basikopo Makamu, the MEC of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement, and Traditional Affairs, has emphasized the need for heightened awareness and careful decision-making, especially for motorists navigating slippery roads and low-level bridges. With strong currents capable of sweeping away vehicles and floodwaters rendering roads unsafe, Makamu’s warning serves as a crucial reminder of the risks posed by the ongoing weather conditions. In light of the recent tragedies, the call for greater safety measures and flood preparedness has never been more urgent, as the people of Limpopo brace for the ongoing impact of the heavy rains.
