By Johnathan Paoli
At least 49 people have died in the wake of severe floods in the Eastern Cape province, Premier Oscar Mabuyane confirmed on Wednesday.
This as concerns continue to mount that the death toll may rise further, as several people remain missing.
Late last night, provincial government authorities and emergency teams warned that ongoing search efforts could uncover more victims, particularly in the hardest-hit areas of the OR Tambo District Municipality, Amathole District Municipality, and Alfred Nzo Local Municipality.
Addressing the media in Mthatha, OR Tambo District, earlier last night, Mabuyane described the scale of destruction as “fluid and horrific.” He also warned that the death toll may continue to rise as search and recovery efforts proceed.
“I’ve never seen something like this before,” said Mabuyane. “We’ve had disasters in the past, but this is one of the most severe weather events in our province’s history. The combination of snow and torrential rain in winter is extremely rare, and it shows the harsh realities of climate change.”
Among the most harrowing incidents was the tragedy near Dikolini in the Mthatha West District, where a scholar transport minibus was swept away by rising floodwaters.
The vehicle was carrying 13 learners and two adults when it attempted to cross a low-lying bridge that gave way under the force of the water.
“We’ve recovered six bodies so far. Three children survived. Four others, including young learners, remain missing,” Mabuyane said.
The Eastern Cape premier visited some of the hardest-hit communities, including Tikolo, Butterworth, and Mthatha, where entire households have been destroyed.
The fatalities span multiple districts, with OR Tambo and Amathole district municipalities the most severely affected.
Mabuyane said more than 400 residents have been displaced in Tikolo alone, with over 500 more left homeless in Butterworth.
“Many survivors are now sheltering in schools, community halls, or even makeshift tents,” he said.
MEC for Social Development, Bukiwe Fanta, confirmed that her department has set up shelters in OR Tambo, Sakhisizwe, and Mnquma, where families are receiving meals, blankets, and psychosocial support.
“We are trying to make sure children, and the elderly get urgent care. Some of these people have lost everything including their homes, clothing, documents, even family members,” she said.
Education MEC, Fundile Gade, reported that 58 schools have been affected, primarily in OR Tambo Coastal, Amathole East, and Alfred Nzo West.
“Over 6,000 learners are impacted, while some schools remain operational, others are inaccessible. We’re working with district directors to adapt exam timetables and provide alternative venues,” Gade said.
Roads, health centres, and electricity infrastructure have also been crippled.
Eskom has reported that over 160,000 customers remain without power across the province.
Major routes like the R61 and sections of the N2 are closed due to flooding and landslides.
Mabuyane took aim at the national government’s underfunding of disaster response in the province.
“We’re a large and disaster-prone province, yet we only have one helicopter in Gqeberha. It’s grounded in bad weather. We need more helicopters, divers, and K9 rescue units based in places like Mthatha, where these tragedies are happening,” Mabuyane said.
He also raised concerns about the proliferation of informal settlements in high-risk areas.
“We know the need for housing is great, but many of these homes are built on floodplains or unstable land. Traditional leaders must work with municipalities to ensure zoning laws are enforced. We have spatial plans, but without enforcement, they are meaningless,” Mabuyane said.
The premier confirmed that the provincial executive council will consider declaring a formal state of disaster in the coming days.
“Our teams are still gathering data, but we know already that we will need national support for recovery and long-term rebuilding,” said Mabuyane.
Meanwhile, the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) issued a strongly worded statement mourning the victims and demanding systemic change.
“We extend our deepest condolences to all affected families. This is yet another tragedy where the working-class poor — farmworkers, pensioners, informal traders — bear the brunt of a crisis they did not create,” said SAFTU General-Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi.
Vavi linked the floods to the broader climate crisis and repeated failures in governance.
“We must break the cycle of disaster, condolence, and empty promises. Unsafe housing developments on floodplains, poor spatial planning, and neglected infrastructure are all man-made failures,” he said.
The union called for the urgent relocation of vulnerable communities; massive investment in climate-resilient infrastructure; a national adaptation plan; and accountability for officials who allowed unsafe development.
“This is no longer about individual storms or floods. It’s about a system that leaves people unprotected time and again. The Eastern Cape deserves justice and investment,” Vavi concluded.
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has called for urgent national intervention, with Chairperson Nqabisa Gantsho warning that such disasters will increase due to global warming.
“Climate resilience must now be a central component of governance,” she said.
Meanwhile, communities are left to pick up the pieces.
Many residents in informal settlements are refusing relocation, citing fears of being moved far from schools, jobs, and transport.
Communication breakdowns have also been reported, especially in rural areas with poor mobile and radio coverage, despite Level 9 warnings from the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
Mabuyane ended his briefing with an appeal to national leaders and ordinary South Africans.
“We must grieve, but we must also act. Let us honour the dead by protecting the living; with better planning, stronger coordination, and decisive support. Our people deserve no less,” he said.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) extended condolences to families affected by the deadly Eastern Cape floods.
“Our thoughts are with all those mourning the loss of loved ones and those still searching for the missing,” said DA MPL Vicky Knoetze.
She warned that poor infrastructure and limited disaster readiness leave communities dangerously exposed.
Knoetze welcomed the response to the tragedy but urged the provincial government to prioritise aid, rebuild infrastructure, and improve disaster preparedness across the province.
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