MEDIA STATEMENT
O.R. TAMBO DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY: GOVERNMENT STANDS WITH COMMUNITIES IN RECOVERY FROM FLOODS
The O.R. Tambo District Municipality, working with its Provincial and Local partners, remains firmly on the ground with communities as recovery efforts continue following the recent floods that caused severe hardship across the District.
From the onset of the disaster, government teams moved quickly to protect lives and support affected families. Food, shelter, social relief and psychosocial services were provided to ensure that families in crisis were not left without care. Relief materials from partners continue to reach communities as the final distribution processes are completed. Every family relocated to a Temporary Residential Unit received a SASSA home-starter voucher to help them rebuild a sense of stability and dignity.
To repair the infrastructure damaged by the floods, the Municipality received R30 million through the Municipal Disaster Recovery Grant. This funding is being used to restore essential Water and Sanitation services, because, access to clean water is not a privilege, it is a basic human right that supports health and hope in every home.
Progress on housing recovery continues. Of the 672 Temporary Residential Units allocated across the district, 315 have already been completed and occupied, while the remainder are in progress. In Mthatha, permanent resettlement work is advancing as the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality takes steps to secure suitable land for long-term housing solutions.
Every intervention is guided by fairness, accountability and direct community involvement. Provincial, District and Local structures work in coordination, with Ward Councillors walking alongside affected families through the relocation process. Local Municipality satellite offices continue to engage residents and keep them informed as recovery work advances.
At the same time, government is investing in prevention and resilience. Through collaboration between Provincial, District and Local GIS teams, flood plains have been mapped and communities advised not to rebuild in high-risk areas. The South African Weather Service is training disaster practitioners to better interpret and act on weather forecasts, while a SALGA-led workshop is strengthening disaster management capacity within municipalities.
The O.R. Tambo District Municipality remains committed to a recovery that is not only about rebuilding infrastructure, but also about restoring lives, dignity and confidence in the future. Government stands with the people, not apart from them. Together, we are rebuilding homes, restoring hope, and preparing for a safer, more resilient tomorrow.
