uMshwathi Municipality wishes to provide an update following the severe disaster that struck parts of the Municipality on Sunday, 23 November 2025. The heavy rains caused extensive damage particularly in Ward 2 (Shiyabazali, New Hanover) and Ward 7, affecting households, infrastructure, and community livelihoods.
On Monday, 24 November 2025, municipal leadership, together with members of the community, disaster teams ,worked tirelessly to assist families who were directly affected. Their cooperation and swift action played an important role in stabilising the situation and ensuring immediate relief.
The MEC for Transport and Human Settlements,Honourable Siboniso Duma, deployed a provincial disaster management team to work alongside teams from uMgungundlovu District and uMshwathi Municipality.
MEC Duma also personally visited the affected families and areas to assess the extent of the damage and provide support.
Today, 25 November 2025, the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Honourable Thulasizwe Buthelezi, visited uMshwathi to observe ongoing relief operations and assess the damages across the affected areas.
Preliminary findings from the integrated disaster teams indicate that a total of 465 individuals from Wards 2 and 7 have been affected, while 228 houses sustained varying degrees of damage. Of the three people initially reported missing, one has been found, while two remain unaccounted for.
Search and Rescue teams continue to work tirelessly to locate the missing individuals.
Temporary structures to shelter displaced families are currently being arranged. In the interim, local schools and community halls have been prepared to accommodate those left homeless. Various organisations are also providing essential relief items, including food, blankets.
The Mayor of uMshwathi Municipality, Cllr Mandla Zondi, has expressed deep sympathy to all families affected by this tragedy. He assured the community that the Municipality, together with provincial and district structures, will continue to stand by them during this difficult period.
Mayor Zondi emphasised that although the damage is significant and the pain is still fresh, there is hope. He encouraged residents to remain strong and united, reminding them that rebuilding is possible through collective support and resilience.
He once again urged communities to avoid building homes near riverbanks and other high-risk areas, noting the importance of safety in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
The Mayor extended heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders, volunteers, and organisations who have responded with compassion and resources. He further thanked MEC Duma and MEC Buthelezi for their leadership and unwavering support.
uMshwathi Municipality remains committed to providing assistance, coordinating relief efforts, and ensuring long-term recovery for all affected residents.
