President Ramaphosa Visits Flood-Hit Limpopo as Heavy Rains Claim at Least 19 Lives

Addressing the media during the visit, President Ramaphosa described the scale of devastation as catastrophic.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has visited the Limpopo province following devastating floods triggered by heavy rainfall, which have left at least 19 people dead and caused widespread destruction to homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.

Accompanied by Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, the President toured the Vhembe and Mopani Districts to assess the damage caused by more than 400 millimetres of rainfall that fell across parts of the province.

Extensive Damage in Vhembe and Mopani

Addressing the media during the visit, President Ramaphosa described the scale of devastation as catastrophic.

“We have just seen the catastrophic damage that has been caused here. We started off in the Vhembe District, where we saw how a number of houses were flooded and how people have lost their possessions due to the huge rains in this part of our country,” the President said.

He noted that the situation in Mopani District was even more severe.

“In the Mopani District, it’s even worse, because 36 houses have been wiped away from the face of the earth. One five-year-old child has also lost their life,” he added.

Government and Defence Forces Lead Rescue Efforts

President Ramaphosa said government officials had been on the ground since the onset of the floods, working to assist affected communities.

“The provincial government has responded in a very strong way. While disaster befalls us due to climate change and increasingly devastating rains, we have been able to mount a response. Of course, more still needs to be done,” he said.

He highlighted the role played by the South African Air Force and the South African Defence Force, which deployed helicopters to rescue people stranded on rooftops and in trees.

“That shows that our response to disasters is improving—both at the institutional level, such as the Air Force and Defence Force, and at the local government level,” the President said.

Community Solidarity Saves Lives

The President also commended the solidarity shown by local communities during the crisis, noting that collective action had helped save lives.

“The cooperation and solidarity we have seen among our people is quite amazing. We heard how one person threw a rope to people who were stranded. They tied the rope around each other and pulled one another out of what would have been certain death,” he said.

He added that many lives that could have been lost were saved due to such acts of courage and compassion.

Climate Change a Growing Threat

President Ramaphosa warned that the floods are a stark reminder of the intensifying effects of climate change, noting that further rainfall is forecast in the coming days.

“We are told that we can expect more rain, and this is the effect of climate change. Climate change is truly with us. Those who do not believe it is real should believe it now,” he said.

He pointed out that the complete destruction of dozens of homes due to rainfall was unprecedented.

“Wiping out 36 houses when there is rain has never really been something that we’ve experienced before. These families are now stranded and have to begin rebuilding their lives,” the President said.

Further Briefing Expected

The Limpopo provincial government is expected to brief the media on the evolving situation and relief measures following the heavy rainfall on Friday.