Ramaphosa arrives in flood-ravaged Limpopo as weather warning hits Level 10

President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in Limpopo on Thursday afternoon following days of torrential rains that have left a trail of devastation and isolated multiple communities across the province.

The President is expected to receive an immediate briefing from provincial leaders and disaster management officials as the scale of the damage continues to be assessed. This visit comes as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) upgraded its warning to a Red Level 10—the highest and most dangerous alert—signalling extreme weather conditions that pose a serious risk to life, infrastructure, and basic services.

PROVINCIAL RESOURCES STRETCHED TO THE LIMIT
Earlier on Thursday, the provincial government conceded that it lacks the capacity to fully respond to the scale of the flooding. Now on its fourth consecutive day of heavy rain, the province is struggling to provide adequate relief. Officials admitted that the extent of the damage has significantly outpaced available equipment, personnel, and funding.

In Giyani and the surrounding areas, the impact is unmistakable. Streets are waterlogged, yards are submerged in mud, and homes are failing to drain as the downpour persists. The disruption has been widespread:

Education: Schools remain closed across the district.

Infrastructure: Several roads and bridges have been washed away or cut off.

Utilities: Essential services have been severely disrupted in most villages.

URGENT INTERVENTION NEEDED
In Mbwula Village, located on the outskirts of Giyani, anxious residents stated they are pinning their hopes on the President’s arrival, seeking both immediate intervention and a commitment to long-term support.

Accompanying the assessment efforts is Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) MEC Basikopo Makamu, marking his first visit to Giyani since the flooding began. The MEC emphasised that while rescue efforts are underway, the government is operating at its limit.

"Early hours of this morning we rescued people at the border gate; that shows that we are ready, but I repeat, our resources are not enough," said Makamu. "Our people must also play a part and be cautious."

Authorities have confirmed that damage assessments remain ongoing. However, with the Red Level 10 warning still in effect, communities remain on edge with no certainty as to when the weather conditions will improve.