Ramaphosa Urges Patience from Flood Victims in the Eastern Cape

President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the Eastern Cape on Friday to address more than 100 displaced residents at Sinolwazi Senior Secondary School in Decoligny, a community severely affected by the devastating floods earlier this week.

The region has been left reeling after heavy rainfall triggered widespread flooding, leading to significant damage and the tragic loss of at least 78 lives. The floods have not only destroyed homes and infrastructure but also displaced hundreds of residents who are now seeking shelter and government assistance.

Standing before grieving families and displaced residents, Ramaphosa offered heartfelt condolences and reassured the community that help was on the way. However, he made it clear that the government must follow due processes in delivering aid and support to those impacted.

“For those who have been affected, an assessment will be conducted,” Ramaphosa stated during his visit. “All we ask is that you be patient with us. We understand that because I’m here today as the president, you want things to be done today. However, government has its processes.”

Ramaphosa emphasized that disaster relief efforts must be properly coordinated to ensure fairness and efficiency. Teams from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, as well as the National Disaster Management Centre, have already been deployed to conduct assessments and identify those most in need.

Decoligny, located west of Mthatha, is one of the communities hardest hit by the floods. Roads have been washed away, homes submerged, and infrastructure damaged beyond immediate repair. Temporary shelters, like the one at Sinolwazi Senior Secondary School, have become home to dozens of families who lost everything in the flooding.

Officials say the death toll may rise as search and recovery efforts continue. Many families are still waiting for updates on missing loved ones, and the process of identifying recovered bodies remains ongoing in Mthatha and surrounding towns.

Local clinics and hospitals have also been overwhelmed with patients suffering from flood-related injuries and waterborne illnesses, raising public health concerns as the disaster unfolds.

Ramaphosa Reaffirms Government’s Commitment to Relief and Recovery

In his speech, Ramaphosa reiterated that the national government stands firmly behind the people of the Eastern Cape. He stressed the importance of working with provincial and local authorities to provide immediate assistance and long-term solutions.

The President said that rebuilding efforts would include:

• Emergency financial assistance to affected families
• Restoration of damaged infrastructure
• Improved disaster preparedness systems
• Long-term housing plans for displaced residents
• “We are not going to leave you behind,” Ramaphosa said. “We are committed to ensuring that every affected citizen receives the help they need.”

He also acknowledged the psychological and emotional toll the disaster has taken on survivors, urging government departments and NGOs to include mental health support in their response plans.

While government teams assess the situation and begin deploying resources, local community leaders and NGOs have stepped in to provide immediate relief. Food parcels, clothing, and blankets have been distributed to families in shelters, and mobile clinics have been established to provide basic medical care.

Organizations such as the Red Cross and Gift of the Givers have also pledged support, offering logistical help and humanitarian aid to reach remote and inaccessible areas affected by the flooding.

Local churches have opened their doors to those without shelter, and community kitchens are operating around the clock to ensure that no one goes hungry.

The floods have reignited the debate around South Africa’s infrastructure resilience, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Ramaphosa acknowledged these concerns, stating that his administration would prioritize the modernization and reinforcement of infrastructure in flood-prone regions.

“We must use this moment not only to rebuild but to rebuild better,” he said. “We need stronger bridges, improved drainage systems, and safe housing that can withstand the effects of climate change.”

Environmental experts have warned that extreme weather events like these floods are becoming more frequent due to climate change, and they urge the government to adopt sustainable planning strategies going forward.

Though the pain of loss is still fresh, many residents expressed gratitude for Ramaphosa’s presence, saying it brought a sense of recognition and hope. For families who have lost everything, even the smallest gesture of support offers comfort.

The road to recovery will be long and complex, but with continued leadership from President Ramaphosa and support from the broader South African community, there is cautious optimism that healing and rebuilding will follow.

Source- EWN