By: Nokulunga Lebambo

Nkomazi –  Amid scenes of devastation, grief and resilience, President Cyril Ramaphosa has on Monday (19/01/2026) visited flood-stricken areas of Mpumalanga Province to witness first-hand the destruction left behind by weeks of relentless rainfall.

The President arrived at Mjejane in the Nkomazi Local Municipality shortly after 14h00, where he was welcomed by Premier Mandla Ndlovu, members of the provincial executive, mayors, traditional leaders and officials from the National Disaster Management Centre. His visit comes as families across the province continue to mourn loved ones lost to the deadly floods.

The disaster, which has now been officially declared a national disaster, has torn through Mpumalanga, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, North West and the Eastern Cape, leaving a trail of destruction. Homes have been washed away, infrastructure damaged, livelihoods destroyed and entire communities displaced. Schools and farming activities have been disrupted, while parts of the Kruger National Park remain closed.

In Mpumalanga alone, at least 20 lives have been lost since December 2025, with the Ehlanzeni District bearing the brunt of the catastrophe. Scores of families have been forced from their homes, while learners in areas such as Bushbuckridge Local Municipality face continued interruptions to their education.

President Ramaphosa said his heart goes out to families who have lost loved ones, those nursing injuries, and individuals, businesses and organisations who have seen everything they worked for swept away by the floods.

Standing among affected residents, the President praised the tireless efforts of first responders, volunteers and humanitarian organisations, describing their response as a powerful example of compassion and unity in the face of tragedy.

Despite the visible pain and destruction, the President’s arrival in Mjejane was met with songs, cheers and applause, as community members expressed hope that government’s presence would bring relief and lasting solutions.

The President interacted with residents while assessing damaged areas. The delegation also visited Orlando settlement in Komatipoort and Mangweni, where the impact of the floods has been equally severe.

As rain-soaked communities continue to pick up the pieces, government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting affected families, restoring services and ensuring that no community is left behind in the recovery process.