Strides being made to permanently rehouse residents displaced by EC floods - Simelane
Nearly 3,000 households have been affected, with over 1,000 structures destroyed and hundreds more partially damaged across the OR Tambo and Amathole district municipalities.
Eastern Cape residents in Mthatha left destitute following flooding in Mthatha on 11 June 2025. Picture: Jacques Nelles/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane said that strides were being made to permanently rehouse thousands of people displaced by floods in the Eastern Cape.
Ninety people have died since heavy rains battered the province more than a week ago.
Simelane is the latest in a line of officials to visit Mthatha, one of the hardest-hit areas in a disaster that's wiped out homes, disrupted livelihoods and left communities grappling with grief.
ALSO READ:
• Eastern Cape govt declares day of mourning for victims of destructive flooding
• Some basic services restored in parts of flood-hit Eastern Cape, says provincial govt
• EC flooding: Death toll rises to 90
Nearly 3,000 households have been affected, with over 1,000 structures destroyed and hundreds more partially damaged across the OR Tambo and Amathole district municipalities.
The human settlements minister has embarked on a three-day visit to the region - she began in Decoligny Village and is expected to head to Joe Slovo and other affected communities.
"We will be relocating them. Our teams are on-site, assessing that area, making them understand that it is important they move into a much safer area where government can then give a permanent solution."
About 2,600 people remain homeless, sheltering in community halls and schools where they’re being fed and provided with basic necessities.
President Cyril Ramaphosa visited Mthatha last week, also promising rapid support to communities.