Ramaphosa urges care amid severe winter conditions

Tuesday’s inclement weather, especially in the Eastern Cape, caused significant damage to road infrastructure and the displacement of residents.

Scores of houses were submerged.

Eight bodies were found in Decoligny Village in Mthatha, and another body was recovered at Tsolo near the Bedlana River.

In the aftermath of another incident, three children were rescued while a number of their fellow pupils are missing after the vehicle in which they were travelling to school was swept away by floodwaters near Mthatha.

"The president says these incidents and others that may unfold during winter highlight the need for South Africans to display caution, care and cooperation as the worst impacts of winter weather take effect across the country,” said Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.

"Residents, businesses, infrastructure, livestock and wildlife in various provinces are currently affected by the annual, seasonal impacts of winter conditions.

"Some of these impacts have claimed lives and remain life-threatening and harmful to businesses and the livelihoods of workers. President Ramaphosa’s thoughts are with citizens who are affected in diverse ways."

Magwenya added that Ramaphosa has assured the nation that national, provincial and municipal authorities, including the National Disaster Management Centre, are giving the requisite attention to crises as they unfold.

"While government discharges its responsibilities and services to citizens, we welcome the support we see at times such as this from businesses, community- and faith-based organisations, charities and organisations such as the National Sea Rescue Institute.

"The devastation that comes with nature’s forces demands that we work together as best we can to bring relief to families and communities who need this the most.

"This is a time where we need to take care of ourselves in our homes and reach out to neighbours and friends who need help of any kind.

"We also need to exercise caution on our roads when travelling for work or leisure, or as we get out in nature, where we may want to see sights like snowfall or flooded rivers.

"We must observe by-laws and regulations that exist to protect us in these conditions. We must pull together where disaster strikes, and while none of us should evade accountability, we must put problem-solving and collaboration ahead of blame and conflict."

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