Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane, is set to embark on an urgent assessment of the recent flood damage across KwaZulu-Natal, with her visit scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. The province has been reeling from devastating floods that have claimed the lives of at least seven people, while others remain missing after torrential rains wreaked havoc in areas such as eThekwini.
Simelane’s visit comes at a critical moment, as many residents of KwaZulu-Natal are left stranded, with their homes submerged or completely destroyed. While the rains have subsided, the aftermath has left communities grappling with loss and displacement.
The minister’s journey will take her through the hardest-hit areas, starting with a meeting at city hall alongside local officials, including MEC for Human Settlements Siboniso Duma and eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba. The discussions will focus on immediate relief efforts and long-term strategies for affected families. Notably, the meeting will address tensions in Shallcross, Chatsworth, where the local community is opposed to plans for low-cost housing construction on state-owned land. These tensions escalated when gunshots were reportedly fired during a meeting, allegedly by some residents dissatisfied with the housing proposal.
Following her meeting with local officials, Simelane is expected to visit Lamontville in the south of Durban, where much of the devastation occurred during the recent floods. The minister will engage with flood victims, including those who lost loved ones, offering condolences and insight into the province’s recovery plans. Simelane will also inspect temporary shelters set up for displaced residents, ensuring that support systems are in place for those who have lost everything.
On Wednesday, the minister will continue her tour, visiting grieving families in KwaMakhutha, including the Ncube and Nkwanyana families, who are mourning the loss of relatives in the floods. Her delegation will also travel to Umdoni and Ray Local Municipalities in the south of the province to assess the ongoing needs of flood-stricken communities.
Simelane’s visit will include an inspection of the proposed permanent relocation site at Georgedale, where flood victims, including those from Lamontville, are expected to be resettled in the coming months. Her visit underscores the urgency of finding solutions for displaced residents and the long road to rebuilding communities torn apart by the recent storms.
As KwaZulu-Natal begins to recover, Simelane’s leadership and the provincial government’s continued focus on disaster recovery will play a key role in restoring stability and providing hope to those affected by the floods.
