Land Reform Minister working with EC traditional leaders for land to house flood survivors

JOHANNESBURG - Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso says he's working with traditional leaders in parts of the Eastern Cape in a bid to find land to house survivors of June’s devastating floods.

The latest efforts come as the province continues to recover and rebuild following one of the worst floods in its history.

More than 100 people died, and thousands of residents were displaced in the hardest-hit areas.

At least 40 children were among the fatalities.

Nyhontso met with AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo at his Enkululekweni residence in Mthatha on Sunday, after the monarch raised concerns about the government’s delayed response in rehousing displaced families.

Nyhontso said parcels of land had been identified but still need the buy-in from local chiefs.

“I don’t have any reason not to be optimistic when I'm talking to the owner of the land because the King understands the plight of the people.”