By Rorisang Modiba
- Heavy rains have caused major flooding in Durban and Johannesburg, exposing years of poor maintenance of stormwater drains and other infrastructure.
- Dozens of schools in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga have been damaged, leaving thousands of learners struggling to access education.
Severe storms in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal have laid bare years of poor maintenance in Durban and Johannesburg, causing massive damage and disrupting lives.
Durban and Johannesburg have been declared disaster zones, making them eligible for emergency funds from the National Treasury.
These funds will help restore damaged infrastructure and assist residents living in flood-prone areas, especially those on riverbanks.
EThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba welcomed the declaration, saying it will help Durban respond more effectively to the crisis.
Over the weekend, mop-up operations continued as homes were flooded and cars washed away. At least three people died in KwaZulu-Natal due to flooding in informal settlements, townships and even suburbs.
In many areas, blocked stormwater drains have worsened the flooding, as years of neglect have left them unable to handle heavy rains.
The floods have also affected education in the province.
Basil Manuel, executive director of the National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA), said 24 schools were completely flooded this week, while over 50 in the province suffered some form of damage. Another 34 schools in Mpumalanga also reported flood damage.
Some schools were already in a poor state, awaiting repairs from previous disasters like tornados.
In rural areas, washed-away roads and destroyed bridges mean many learners and teachers struggle to reach school, disrupting education for thousands of children.
Last month, the National Disaster Management Centre declared seven provinces—including KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, Free State, Limpopo and North West—as disaster zones due to severe weather conditions.
Meanwhile, Johannesburg emergency services are bracing for more floods.
The SA Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of more thunderstorms and heavy rains from Monday night into Tuesday in Gauteng.
Johannesburg Emergency Services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi urged motorists to be cautious.
“Motorists should drive carefully and avoid crossing flooded roads or low-lying bridges. Residents in flood-prone areas should also avoid crossing river streams while going about their daily activities,” he said.
The rainy weather is expected to continue, and authorities are urging residents to stay alert and follow weather updates for their safety.
Pictured above: Learners being carried by parents to cross the stream.
Image source: File
