Ramaphosa to visit EC as flooding death toll climbs to 78
Torrential rains have devastated the OR Tambo and Amathole districts, washing away homes, schools, and roads.
A home in the Eastern Cape that was destroyed by the recent floods. Picture: Jacques Nelles/Eyewitness News
MTHATHA - President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to visit the Eastern Cape on Friday as the death toll climbs to 78 following extreme weather.
Torrential rains have devastated the OR Tambo and Amathole districts, washing away homes, schools, and roads.
Ramaphosa will tour sites, including Dicoligny, Jumba High School and Slovo Park, where a search for missing people is still active.
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Ramaphosa will be joined by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa and Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, who have been leading coordination efforts.
The Presidency said that Ramaphosa is monitoring relief operations closely and has offered condolences to grieving families.
“All three spheres of government, all political parties and civil society, we need to speak with one voice.”
The visit will begin with a closed briefing in Mthatha, followed by tours of damaged schools and displaced communities.
Ramaphosa has offered his sympathies and said national support will be mobilised across affected districts.