By HRH Princess Eugene Majuru, Princess of Harare

Pretoria, South Africa (News of The South) – While headlines today focus on the devastating floods gripping parts of South Africa, particularly the Eastern Cape, initial reports indicating “hundreds dead in flooding in Pretoria” appear to be an overstatement. While Pretoria has experienced severe weather and localized flooding in recent months, the current crisis with a high death toll is predominantly affecting the Eastern Cape province.

The severe weather front, bringing heavy rainfall, gale-force winds, and even snow, has unleashed havoc across the eastern and southern provinces of South Africa since early this week. The Eastern Cape has borne the brunt of this natural disaster, with at least 49 confirmed fatalities and the provincial premier, Oscar Mabuyane, warning that the death toll is expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue. Among the tragic losses are several schoolchildren, including those on a bus swept away by floodwaters near Mthatha.

What Caused the Flooding?
The primary cause of the widespread flooding is the intense and prolonged heavy rainfall, exacerbated by a powerful cold front and a cut-off low-pressure system. South Africa has experienced a third consecutive year of heavy seasonal rainfall, leading to high soil moisture levels and significant runoff. This, coupled with potentially inadequate drainage systems in urban areas, deforestation, and rapid urbanization, has amplified the impact of the deluges. Experts are increasingly linking the severity and unpredictability of these weather events to climate change, noting that warmer air holds more moisture, resulting in heavier and more frequent rainfall.

Areas Affected and Impact

The Eastern Cape is the worst-affected province, with districts like OR Tambo, Amathole, and Alfred Nzo experiencing widespread devastation. Hundreds of residents have been displaced, seeking shelter in makeshift accommodations. Essential infrastructure has been severely compromised, with major roads closed, power outages affecting nearly 500,000 homes, and 58 schools in the Eastern Cape reporting damage. Neighboring KwaZulu-Natal has also seen significant damage to 68 schools across nine districts, though no fatalities have been reported there in this current wave of floods.

While Pretoria itself has not seen “hundreds” of deaths in this specific event, it has not been immune to extreme weather. As recently as February 2025, parts of Pretoria, including Montana and Mabopane, experienced severe flooding and even a tornado, causing property damage and disrupting livelihoods. Poor drainage and urbanization were cited as contributing factors in those incidents.

Authorities’ Response

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his condolences to the affected families and urged citizens to exercise caution. Provincial authorities in the Eastern Cape, led by Premier Oscar Mabuyane, have activated the Joint Operations Centre to coordinate flood response and relief efforts. Disaster management teams, local municipalities, and emergency services have been deployed to the hardest-hit areas for rescue and relief operations. The provincial government is actively working to restore essential services and provide urgent aid to displaced residents. Cabinet also met yesterday, June 11, and while the statement did not specifically detail flood response efforts, it did highlight government’s ongoing focus on infrastructure investment. The National Disaster Management Centre, under the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), is also involved in coordinating national efforts.

How Citizens Can Support Victims

The immediate needs of flood victims include shelter, food, clean water, blankets, and medical supplies. Citizens wishing to help can direct their support through established and reputable humanitarian organizations working on the ground in South Africa. Organizations like ForAfrika have been actively involved in flood relief efforts in South Africa and may be a good point of contact. The National Disaster Management Centre under CoGTA could also provide guidance on official channels for donations and volunteer efforts.

It is crucial for citizens to heed official warnings, avoid flooded areas, and prioritize safety. Those in unaffected regions can also offer assistance by:

Donating to reputable charities: Financial contributions allow organizations to procure and distribute the most needed items efficiently.
Volunteering: If located near affected areas and possessing relevant skills (e.g., medical, logistical), consider offering your time and expertise through official channels.
Collecting and donating essential goods: Check with local community centers or disaster relief organizations for specific lists of needed items such as non-perishable food, bottled water, hygiene products, clean clothing, and blankets.

Spreading awareness: Share accurate information about the situation and ways to help to encourage broader support.
The long-term recovery will require sustained effort and resources to rebuild homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. South Africa faces a significant challenge in mitigating the impact of increasingly extreme weather events, underscoring the urgent need for investment in resilient infrastructure and proactive climate change adaptation strategies.

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