The body of one of the three victims that were swept away has been discovered. And foreign nationals are mostly affected in Shiyabazali, New Hanover under Umshwathi Local Municipality: Duma gets the first report from roving team.
Media and Public Statement by the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma
24 November 2025
Injesuthi River Bridge: We have received the first report from the roving team that worked flat our since last night following prolonged rainfall in Umshwathi Local Municipality.
The body of one of the three victims who were swept away has been located. We extend our deepest condolences to the family.
At this stage, we can report that most of the affected victims are foreign nationals.
The roving team from both Human Settlements and Department of Transport is working with the Mayor of Umshwathi Local Municipaluty Cllr Mandla Zondi and disaster teams to assist the victims.
When offered a community hall for temporary shelter last night, the affected residents disappeared and some resolved to spend time with relatives.
However, in our engagement with Mayor Zondi and local Ward 2 Cllr Sikhumbuzo Nxumalo and disaster teams we have agreed that the verification process of affected victims will get underway this morning.
It is estimated that around 100 or less victims, mostly from Lesotho were affected.
Sadly, the informal settlements that were washed away were built in flood plains. We continue to plead with communities not to build in flood plains.
We have already engaged with Minister of Human Settlements Thembi Simelane as part of speeding up interventions in the form of emergency housing for South Africans.
Ends
Issued by the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements
Enquiries
Ndabezinhle Sibiya | 082 375 4742 | Spokesperson | MEC for Transport and Human Settlements
