KWAZULU-NATAL recently faced severe weather conditions, with heavy rains and strong winds causing significant damage, particularly in eThekwini. Tragically, seven lives were lost in oThongathi, with more than 55 people sustaining injuries, and over 120 people displaced. I am pleased to share that the provincial government is actively engaged in providing humanitarian aid and support to those affected. Efforts are underway to clear debris and fallen trees to facilitate access for our teams to restore essential services such as water and electricity. 

This will also enable non-governmental organisations and volunteers to reach affected communities for additional assistance. I conducted an oversight visit on 5 June in the eMagwaveni area, in oThongathi. I was accompanied by MEC for Social Development Nonhlanhla Khoza. We were pleased to note that work has been done and continues to be done to restore services. Working with the Department of Human Settlements, we are accelerating the process of rebuilding houses of the bereaved families so that they can commence with funeral arrangements. Three temporary shelters have been established to accommodate displaced families. Assessments are ongoing to determine the extent of the damage to infrastructure.

The heavy rainfall came at a time when the Municipality was preparing to commence with a housing project in the area at the end of the month. Instead of building temporary houses for the affected households, the Municipality will accelerate the process of building permanent houses as there was already a planned housing project for eMagwaveni. On behalf of the province’s leadership and the Municipality, we extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. Our teams are working tirelessly to support the affected families and ensure dignified funeral arrangements for those who have passed away.

We are grateful for their dedication to restore services and for expediting the reconstruction of homes to aid families. This tragedy occurred following the announcement of the 2024 election results. I want to express gratitude to all who participated by exercising their democratic right to vote. Moving forward, it is incumbent upon the political parties with a majority vote to uphold their responsibility in improving the lives of the people of South Africa. Meanwhile, as we observe Youth Month during June, we are set to launch a city-wide Youth Month programme under the theme ‘Proactively Embracing the Socio-Economic Progress of Our Democracy.’ The planned initiatives are designed to empower the youth of eThekwini and foster their development. We launched the programme on 7 June at the Khalipha Special School in KwaMashu. The school is a beacon of hope for young people and caters for children with learning disabilities. It also offers learning developmental courses that will equip them with vital trade skills to enable them to contribute meaningfully to society. The programmes that will be rolled out will be supported by various City departments and other government institutions to ensure we reach a wider audience of young people.