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News24
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Taxi driver in viral road rage stabbing hands himself over to police
Gallo Images/Die Burger/Jaco Marais Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Show Comments ()
The Citizen
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Cogta warns municipalities against wasting R1.2 billion disaster relief
Batches of disaster relief funding will be paid to affected municipalities who will be tasked with coordinating relief efforts. A shack surrounded by water after heavy rains fell in Motherwell on 10 June 2025 in Gqeberha, South Africa. Picture: Gallo Images / Die Burger/ Lulama Zenzile A hefty sum has been allocated to several municipalities ravaged by flooding and severe weather in June. Minister of Corporate Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Velenkosini Hlabisa announced a R1.2 billion disaster relief fund on Monday. At least 107 people were killed in the Eastern Cape and bordering provinces, while the areas suffered an estimated R6.3 billion in infrastructure damage. Eastern Cape flood relief The disaster relief funding will be released in three batches, starting with a R151.3 million provincial response grant on 11 July. A R395 million municipal response grant will be released on 18 July, with the final release of R708.9 million scheduled for 28 August. The Eastern Cape suffered the loss of at least 103 lives, with the OR Tambo municipality being the hardest hit with 79 casualties. The province will receive the largest portion of the funds, including R504 million from the final August payment. Hlabisa asked municipalities to begin preparing their disaster relief efforts and warned that future grants would be suspended should these funds be wasted. 'We want all municipalities to know ahead that this money is coming, and they must activate their project processes,' said Hlabisa. 'Recipients of the funds must follow established reporting protocols and use the required templates to ensure accountability in their financial disclosures,' he explained. Waste warning Hlabisa was aware of the tactics used by those who abused state resources, recognising the potential for price inflation and mismanagement. To guard against this, Cogta will deploy teams to the affected areas to verify infrastructure damage and associated rebuilding costs. He also warned against inadequate workmanship, poor infrastructure planning and the diversion of funds from intended projects. 'If there is no accountability, money will not be released. It will be as simple as that,' he cautioned. 'By ensuring transparent, accountable, and strategic fund allocation, government aims to not just repair infrastructure, but to restore hope and dignity to communities devastated by natural disasters.' NOW READ: WATCH: Another tragic twist in Eastern Cape flood tragedy
The Citizen
15-06-2025
- Climate
- The Citizen
Eastern Cape flood victims reportedly occupied land illegally
As images of the devastation spread, many have questioned whether some of the flooded homes were built over flood lines. A shack surrounded by water after heavy rains fell in Motherwell on 10 June 2025 in Gqeberha, South Africa. Picture: Gallo Images/Die Burger/Lulama Zenzile As the death toll in the Eastern Cape rises to at least 88 people, officials have reportedly confirmed that some of the areas hardest hit by flooding this week were occupied illegally. Rescuers claim that around 10 000 people have been displaced, and 3 000 homes damaged or destroyed. At least 1 500 have been relocated to temporary shelters in community halls and other structures. Thursday has been declared an official day of mourning. As images of the devastation spread, many questioned whether some of the flooded homes were built over flood lines. According to SABC News, unnamed Mthatha leaders confirmed that flood-hit areas were not occupied legally. Premier Oscar Mabuyane last week urged those who had built on flood lines to move elsewhere and not return to their homes. Eastern Cape floods from 'open sluice gate'? Meanwhile, the Premier's office has rubbished claims that flooding in that area was caused by an open sluice gate at a nearby dam. A social media user who spread the allegation called for a 'class action [lawsuit] to hold the government to account'. 'Mthatha Dam has no sluice gate to open. Instead, it relies on its uncontrollable spillways to release water once it reaches a certain capacity. This design lets nature take its course safely and efficiently,' said the government, in response. ALSO READ: Eastern Cape floods: Police vow to 'wake morals' of looters Ramaphosa blames climate change President Cyril Ramaphosa blamed climate change during a visit to the affected areas on Friday. 'This is a catastrophic disaster for us, which is caused by climate change because we are not used to floods during winter,' Ramaphosa told the Mthatha community. 'During winter, we expect the cold here in the Eastern Cape, but now we are confronting floods. This goes to show the severity of the issue of climate change.' NOW READ: Disaster and death in the Eastern Cape: A timeline
The Citizen
12-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Eastern Cape tragedy: What flood victims need and how you can help
Gift of the Givers and others deployed to flood-ravaged Eastern Cape as nearly 10 000 were displaced. A man removes water from a shack after heavy rains fell in Motherwell on June 10, 2025 in Gqeberha, South Africa. Picture: Gallo Images/Die Burger/Lulama Zenzile Humanitarian organisations Gift of the Givers, the SA Red Cross Society, and others have ramped up emergency operations across the flood-stricken Amathole and OR Tambo District Municipalities in the Eastern Cape, where nearly 10 000 residents have been displaced by severe flooding. The towns of Butterworth and Mthatha have been hardest hit, with extensive infrastructure damage and widespread evacuations. According to Gift of Givers project manager, Ali Sablay, the community halls in Butterworth, Mthatha and Nelson Mandela Bay are now housing displaced families as officials work to assess the full extent of the crisis. What aid is needed Sablay told The Citizen, the situation was 'dire' and said there is an urgent need for: Blankets, Mattresses, Drinking water Toiletries. Those who want to assist can contact Gift of Givers on their toll-free number, 0800786911, or donate to the Gift of the Giver foundation's bank account. The affected families have been provided with mattresses, blankets, and hot meals as part of the ongoing relief efforts. Banking details: Gift of the Givers Foundation Standard Bank Account number: 052137228 SA Red Cross The South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) has also mobilised emergency response teams to the area, providing 180 blankets and mattresses worth R280 000. The society appealed for financial and in-kind contributions to expand relief efforts, deploy volunteers, provide psychosocial support, and assist with shelter, logistics, and recovery. Speaking to The Citizen, Eastern Cape Provincial Manager Caroline Gallant said there is an urgent need for: Hygiene kits, C lothing, Mattresses, and and Ready-made food. 'They [victims] only have the wet clothing on their backs. Many were caught unawares and were not able to pack a bag or get clean, dry clothes.' Gallant said monetary donations were also welcome, especially for the rebuild that will follow. Banking details: SA Red Cross Society Standard Bank Account number: 081082746 Donations can be made at Red Cross Offices in Grahamstown, Port Elizabeth and East London. ALSO READ: Nine dead as the Eastern Cape battles devastating floods EC government The Eastern Cape government has also called on those who can assist to drop off any donations at government buildings in the province. 'The affected families have been provided with mattresses, blankets, and hot meals as part of the ongoing relief efforts.' Black Coffee Foundation The Black Coffee Foundation is also on the ground and noted that the affected are in urgent need of: Blankets Warm clothing Non-perishable food Toiletries Sanitary items Baby supplies 'We're calling on our network, partners, and friends of the Foundation to stand with Mthatha. Let's show up with love and action,' it said. Those willing can donate to the foundation's bank account. Banking details: Black Coffee Foundation First National Bank (FNB) Account number: 62922110812 ALSO READ: Where are the kids? Eastern Cape scholar transport recovered, but children still missing [VIDEO] Water crisis in Butterworth Butterworth's water treatment plant has sustained major damage, cutting off the town's primary water supply. In response, Gift of the Givers has deployed two water tanker trucks for seven days, following a request from the Amathole District Municipality Disaster Management and the Mnquma Local Municipality. 'We are on the ground providing water to thousands of residents who have lost everything in the floods. 'Our teams are also distributing food, blankets, and hygiene packs to those in temporary shelters,' said Sablay. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa urges caution as floods claims lives in Eastern Cape National effort and coordination Relief supplies and personnel have been mobilised from outside the province to support escalating operations. The full-scale deployment in Mthatha is expected to begin in the coming days, in coordination with the OR Tambo District Municipality. Gift of the Givers has extended its appreciation to Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, MEC for COGTA Zolile Williams, and local municipalities for their ongoing support. NOW READ: Santaco mourns deaths of pupils in Eastern Cape floods
News24
05-06-2025
- Politics
- News24
Only solution to gangsterism: Fix one broken neighbourhood at a time
Politicians at local and provincial government level characterise the gangsterism problem as one of incompetent policing, writes the author. Jaco Marais/Gallo Images/Die Burger Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Show Comments ()
