Scores of flood victims in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, continue to live in a crowded church hall eight months after devastating floods displaced them. Promised temporary structures have not materialised, leaving residents reliant on local donations for basic needs. Elderly and sick victims express frustration over the lack of government support.
In June last year, severe floods struck Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, claiming over 100 lives and displacing more than 120 people. The affected residents were relocated to a mass care centre at the Northcrest Church building, with assurances from the municipality of temporary structures to follow. Nearly eight months later, more than 100 victims remain in the overcrowded hall, facing daily hardships.
Phumzile Sifanele described the conditions as deteriorating: “The situation is not good at all since we arrived here. It’s been getting worse instead of getting better. The worst thing is that we do not have food in order for us to eat we must use money from our own pockets.” Buyisile Makhenkce echoed the neglect: “We are neglected. None of our leaders come to check on us. We don’t even know what’s happening. The situation is bad because it’s noisy here since there are children.”
Elderly victims like Zibonele Mbalekwa, who is ill, prioritise food over medical care: “As a pensioner, I sometimes take my own money to buy food for all of us instead of taking myself to the doctor... There’s no food here that comes from the municipality. It’s donations that we get from people.” Zoleka Mbhiyozo added: “We often eat samp with no beans here. I can’t even remember the last time we had meat.”
Security guards, including Phaphama Mkhovu, have stepped in to help: “Most of the young people at this centre do odd jobs. Only the elderly are left here during the day. They cannot cook, so we help them by cooking for them... We take money from our pockets and buy them groceries because they are hungry.”
Efforts to reach the provincial government for comment failed. The King Sabatha Dalindyebo Local Municipality, through spokesperson Sonwabo Mampoza, acknowledged the issue and stated they are in discussions with stakeholders about temporary shelters.