The Eastern Cape is reeling from a devastating flood disaster as the death toll continues to rise, reaching 17 after the bodies of eight schoolchildren and their minibus taxi driver were recovered. The tragedy unfolded after a scholar transport vehicle was swept away by powerful floodwaters in Mthatha, leaving families and communities in mourning.
Emergency units had been scouring the area near the Dikolini River since Tuesday, following reports that a minibus taxi carrying 13 pupils, a driver, and two other passengers had been swept away while attempting to cross a flooded bridge. Three learners were heroically rescued after being found clinging to a tree, but several others remained unaccounted for, sparking an intensive search and rescue operation.
On Wednesday morning, the grim discovery was made. After the river’s water level had dropped, a 16-seater minibus was found on a riverbank, and the bodies of the missing pupils and their driver were recovered. The news has plunged the province into deep sorrow.
Xolile Nqatha, the MEC for transport in the province, confirmed the devastating news. “We were estimating that about 10 people were left in the bus as three were rescued. It is a sad thing, and the search is still ongoing,” Nqatha said. He urged caution, stating, “We urge people to be careful. When the bridge is already submerged in water, do not drive over it. Unfortunately, the driver continued to drive, and the engine switched off. That was when the water swept the minibus away.” Nqatha offered his heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones.
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane visited the scene on Wednesday to witness the ongoing rescue efforts and to meet with affected communities. He confirmed that four of the victims have been positively identified, including the scholar transport driver and his conductor. Speaking to SABC News, Premier Mabuyane detailed the extent of the tragedy. “The community and people who are working on the ground have identified four that would have been part of the bus that was actually swept away. We have identified the driver and the conductor. We are estimating about 15 people who would have been in the bus. That includes the two adults,” he said. “Three were rescued alive yesterday, so we are now working on the assumption that 10 are still unaccounted for. Of those, four have been identified. So we’re still looking at about six missing, if those figures are correct.”
Rescue efforts remain focused on Decoligny Village in Mthatha, where eight bodies were found, and the Tsolo area near the Bedlana River, where another body was recovered. Aerial surveillance and aquatic search teams, including divers, are meticulously combing the flood-hit zones. “We are on the ground to make sure we verify these facts ourselves and ensure we are able to account to the people of South Africa and the people of the Eastern Cape,” Mabuyane said. “It’s bad. It is terrible. The water level was almost two and a half to three meters high, flowing over the rooftops of big houses.”
Power outages have further exacerbated the already dire situation in both districts. The Butterworth Water Treatment Works has suffered significant damage as a result of electrical panels and pumps being submerged, disrupting water supply to the area. Eskom spokesperson Zama Mpondwana says it'll take several days for full restoration of electricity supply to over 300,000 homes in affected areas including Mthatha, Qumbu, Tsolo, Elliotdale and Butterworth. Teams are on site to make areas safe before restoring supply.
Premier Mabuyane expressed profound sorrow, stating: “It is with a heavy heart that I address our province during this difficult time. The loss of life is a tragedy that affects us all, and my thoughts and prayers are with the families who are grieving. We stand in solidarity with the affected communities, and we are committed to providing the necessary support and assistance during this challenging period.”
He added that municipalities, emergency services, and provincial disaster management units are collaborating to stabilise the area and bring back critical services. “We are coordinating with local municipalities and disaster management teams to respond effectively to this emergency. Our priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens.” Mabuyane urged residents to remain informed about the weather conditions and follow any safety advisories issued by local authorities. “Your safety is of utmost importance, and we must work together to navigate these challenging circumstances,” he said.
Meanwhile, despite snow being cleared from the roads in southern KwaZulu-Natal, authorities are again warning motorists to be extra cautious due to surface ice posing a serious hazard. The N2 reopened on Tuesday after graders worked throughout the day to remove snow piled up on the national route, but heavy-duty vehicles are currently stuck on the ice-covered route. The Road Traffic Inspectorate's Colin Govender appealed to motorists to stay away from the road to Kokstad and Underberg, hoping that the warm weather will help dry up the roads.
South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has offered his condolences to the families of those who died as he urged citizens to "display caution, care and cooperation as the worst impacts of winter weather take effect across the country". The bad weather has forced the closure of some major roads in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal to avoid further casualties.
Premier Mabuyane is expected to address the province on the latest developments later today. The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, is also expected to visit the province to assess the situation and offer support. The Eastern Cape faces a long road to recovery, but the government and communities are working together to provide assistance and rebuild lives in the wake of this devastating tragedy.
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