MK Party calls for uMshwathi to be declared a disaster area, urges emergency funding for relief

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has called for immediate national intervention and the mobilisation of resources to respond to the ongoing disaster in uMshwathi Local Municipality following days of heavy rainfall that has left communities isolated and homes destroyed.

In a statement released on Monday, the MK Party described the situation as “a humanitarian crisis requiring swift and decisive action from all levels of government and civil society.” Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said the destruction was widespread, affecting essential infrastructure and displacing numerous families. “The people of uMshwathi are facing an existential threat, and their immediate needs for shelter, safety, and sustenance must be met with urgency,” Ndhlela said.

The MK Party urged government authorities to declare uMshwathi a disaster area and release emergency funding for rapid relief and temporary housing solutions. It also called for the provision of short-term, dignified housing and essential supplies, including blankets, food parcels, and medical aid, to all affected families. Engineering teams and heavy machinery were requested to restore emergency access routes and begin urgent repairs to critical infrastructure, while logistical support and specialized humanitarian equipment were urged to supplement government efforts.

The party additionally issued a warning to residents and motorists in the affected areas to exercise extreme caution. Citizens were urged to strictly follow weather warnings and disaster management instructions, reschedule non-essential travel, and avoid bypassing road closures. “These measures are in place to save lives,” the MK Party statement said.

Earlier on Monday, the South African Daily reported that the body of one of three people swept away by floods in the municipality had been recovered, while two others remained missing. Authorities said most of those affected in the Shiyabazali area were foreign nationals, primarily from Lesotho. Intensive search operations continue.

MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, confirmed the recovery and extended condolences to the family of the deceased. “The body of one of the three victims who were swept away has been located. We extend our deepest condolences to the family,” he said. A roving team of officials from the Department of Human Settlements and the Department of Transport has been coordinating with the Mayor of uMshwathi, Cllr Mandla Zondi, and local disaster management teams to assist affected residents.

Officials estimated that around 100 people, mostly foreign nationals, were impacted, with informal settlements in flood-prone areas destroyed. Some residents who were offered temporary shelter at a community hall opted to stay with relatives. Authorities continue to advise against building homes in flood plains to prevent future tragedies.

“The informal settlements that were washed away were built in flood plains. We continue to plead with communities not to build in flood plains,” Duma said. Emergency housing interventions are being accelerated in consultation with Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane, to support South African residents affected by the floods.

The flooding, caused by several days of heavy rainfall, has led to overflowing rivers and submerged roads, creating severe access challenges for rescue and relief operations. Disaster management teams are assessing damage to infrastructure and residential areas while locating missing individuals. Search and rescue efforts will continue until all missing persons are accounted for.

Coordination between local government, provincial departments, and community leaders remains central to managing the crisis and preventing further loss of life. The recovery of the first victim underscores the ongoing risks faced by residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas, highlighting the urgency of a comprehensive and coordinated disaster response.