Limpopo: Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has delivered essential supplies to individuals and communities affected by the recent floods across Limpopo. The intervention underscores government’s commitment to supporting affected communities during a challenging period, while emphasising the values of solidarity, compassion and collective responsibility.
According to South African Government News Agency, the relief effort was undertaken in partnership with Statistics South Africa (StatsSA), the Office of the President, the State Security Agency, and the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS). The collaborating departments donated clothing and food parcels to flood-affected communities.
Speaking during the outreach on Friday, Ntshavheni said the initiative was inspired by the resilience and community spirit displayed by those affected. She noted that the Ministry staff responded generously to a call for donations, contributing items from their own belongings, which were then delivered to Limpopo.
She added that surplus donations would be distributed to other affected provinces. Plans are in place to extend the aid to Mpumalanga and northern KwaZulu-Natal, should additional items be available.
Ntshavheni further noted that public interest in contributing had increased after the Ministry announced the donation drive. She indicated that government would communicate mechanisms through which members of the public could continue donating, reinforcing the principle of ‘building together’.
In Tzaneen, the Minister acknowledged the support provided by the Department of Social Development (DSD), which delivered food parcels to residents left without food. She appealed for donations of non-perishable food items to sustain ongoing relief efforts.
The Minister’s first visit was to Giyani, where she emphasised the strong cooperation between national and provincial government, highlighting the establishment of the Intergovernmental Committee on Disaster Management to coordinate the response and recovery efforts across affected areas.
Her second visit was to Tzaneen, followed by Petanenge Training Centre, where she reflected on the recurring nature of flooding in Limpopo. The final stop was at Impala Park Stadium in Phalaborwa, where she distributed clothing and essential items to affected residents, and confirmed that efforts to restore electricity in impacted areas are underway.
Ntshavheni expressed her empathy for the Phalaborwa community and commended residents for their unity and cooperation during the crisis. She also advocated for stronger collaboration between local communities and mining companies operating in Limpopo.
Referring to the recent Cabinet Lekgotla, the Minister said flood response efforts were among the matters discussed, reaffirming government’s commitment to ensuring close coordination between national, provincial and local structures in responding to disasters.