The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) today emphasised the need for coordinated and proactive disaster responses following the devastating floods in the Eastern Cape.
 
Welcoming a presentation on the national and provincial responses to the Eastern Cape floods, the committee reiterated that the floods present a valuable opportunity to reassess the national disaster management system, ensure effective intergovernmental coordination and prioritise the safety of vulnerable communities in recovery and preparedness efforts.
 
The committee learnt that the flooding experienced primarily in the Eastern Cape between 9 and 10 June 2025 caused extensive loss of life, infrastructure damage and displacement, particularly affecting the Amathole and OR Tambo districts. Having since been classified as a national disaster under the Disaster Management Act, the committee heard that, by today, the death toll was at 97, including 23 learners. The floods affected over 6 800 households, and more than 4 700 households are now homeless. There was significant damage to road infrastructure, leaving 51 roads impassable. Water and electricity services were also disrupted, although restoration efforts are ongoing.
 
Members also heard that the completed infrastructure damage assessments peg the costs for repairing damaged infrastructure at an estimated R5.1 billion. Providing clarity on funding, the Minister of Finance, Mr Enoch Godongwana, told members that emergency relief is currently being handled through existing departmental budgets. He said the departments of Human Settlements, Social Development and Cooperative Governance all have internal disaster allocations. However, he acknowledged that the recovery and reconstruction phases would require additional funding over the medium-term expenditure framework. “We have a contingency reserve of about R5 billion, but it’s not enough to meet the full scale of need. Once detailed assessments and engineered project plans are submitted, we will consider further allocations, including through the adjustment appropriation process,” he said.
 
The committee praised the multisectoral relief efforts underway but still had serious concerns about the country’s preparedness and long-term disaster resilience. Among the concerns were those related to infrastructure maintenance, especially the condition of bridges and the cleaning of stormwater drains, which often contribute to the scale of flood damage. Municipal disaster management plans were flagged as often lacking, and members expressed concern that insufficient measures were being taken to prevent people from settling in flood-prone areas. Some members also emphasised the importance of proactive disaster planning and enforcing compliance with laws governing spatial planning.
 
Urging consequences against municipalities that fall short, the committee sought to know what actions have been taken to sanction municipalities that have misused disaster relief funds in the past. Members stressed that no one should benefit from people’s suffering. In addition, the committee also stressed the need for immediate legal and administrative steps to secure land for resettlement, as members were concerned about the pace at which temporary residential units (TRUs) are being delivered. So far, only 122 out of a planned 4 724 TRUs have been provided.
 
The committee also called for the role of traditional leadership in disaster planning to be strengthened and that amakhosi must be recognised not merely as advisors but as strategic partners in land-use decisions. There were also concerns about learners affected by the floods and whether they were receiving adequate support. “We cannot expect children who have buried family members and lost their homes to write exams without assistance,” one member said.
 
The committee called on government to urgently institutionalise disaster risk reduction as part of the integrated development planning processes, invest in rural infrastructure and ensure compliance with land-use laws. Furthermore, the committee resolved to request written updates on outstanding matters, including TRU implementation timelines, relocation plans and water restoration in affected communities. The committee also emphasised the need to prevent corruption when using emergency procurement processes to address the needs of communities in distress.

Committee Chairperson Dr Zweli Mkhize expressed the committee’s heartfelt condolences to the affected communities. “As a committee, we must convey our deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones, particularly the learners. We also recognise the immense destruction of homes and infrastructure.”
 
The Chairperson stressed the need for sustained, collaborative action. “We commend the rapid response across all spheres of government. But going forward, the response must be better coordinated, and prevention must become a greater priority. Disaster management is not just about relief, it is about planning, risk reduction and accountability,” he said. “Let this not be another disaster that fades from view without systemic change. We owe our citizens not just a response but a commitment to resilience, justice and development.”

Issued by the Parliamentary Committee Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on COGTA Dr Zweli Mkhize