The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has officially declared a national disaster in South Africa.
This follows weeks of destructive weather that included flooding, snow, heavy rains, and violent winds across several provinces.
The decision comes after mounting fatalities, widespread property loss, and infrastructure collapse in areas like the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
According to the National Disaster Management Centre, the scale and severity of damage met the criteria for national disaster status under South African law.
Government Confirms Classification Under Disaster Management Act
Elias Sithole, the head of the National Disaster Management Centre, announced the disaster declaration during a formal media briefing.
He stated that, under Section 23(1)(b) of the Disaster Management Act, the government had no choice but to classify this situation as a national disaster.
This decision activates national-level interventions and support across the affected provinces.
It allows for emergency deployment of state resources, including the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
These agencies will help manage relief efforts and infrastructure restoration.
Provinces Worst Affected by Recent Weather Events
The provinces hardest hit include the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal.
Each has experienced intense rainfall, flash floods, snowfall, and destructive winds that caused massive disruptions to everyday life.
In the Eastern Cape alone, over 90 people have lost their lives, and more than 2,600 residents have been left homeless.
KwaZulu-Natal recorded the destruction of 58 homes and partial damage to 137 others, affecting nearly 1,000 people.
Roads, schools, hospitals, and government facilities in these regions also suffered severe structural damage.
Expanded Government Response and Deployment
With the declaration in place, national authorities now have the power to direct emergency funds and personnel toward the disaster zones.
The SANDF is expected to assist with rescue operations and logistical support, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
The SAPS will help secure vulnerable communities, prevent looting, and protect government aid shipments.
Relief materials such as food, clean water, temporary shelters, and medical supplies will be coordinated through national disaster relief agencies.
President Ramaphosa Warns of a Changing Climate Reality
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation, acknowledging that South Africa is facing a “new reality” with more frequent and destructive weather disasters.
He referenced past events like the April 2022 floods in KwaZulu-Natal, which claimed over 400 lives and caused R17 billion in damages.
Since then, the province has experienced continued flood damage, with R3 billion in losses recorded just last year.
Snowstorms in early 2025 added to the country’s mounting disaster toll, placing additional pressure on public resources and infrastructure.
Rising Crime Amid the Crisis
While communities struggle to recover, a disturbing trend has emerged involving criminal exploitation of vulnerable flood victims.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu reported incidents involving a “water mafia” that has threatened aid workers delivering clean water.
In addition, homes belonging to deceased flood victims have been looted, further traumatizing grieving families.
The SAPS has been assigned to secure these neighborhoods and assist in preventing further exploitation.
Law enforcement is also investigating organized criminal groups suspected of preying on disaster-stricken areas.
A Coordinated National Effort to Restore Hope
The national disaster classification enables South Africa to implement a unified response across provincial and national lines.
This ensures faster delivery of aid and better allocation of resources to communities in need.
Emergency services, health workers, engineers, and social workers are being mobilized as part of the recovery effort.
The government has urged citizens to cooperate with relief agencies and report suspicious or criminal activity immediately.