Ramaphosa mourns Eastern Cape flood victims

President Cyril Ramaphosa conveyed his condolence message to families in the Eastern Cape who have lost loved ones following recent floods which swept away lives in Nelson Mandela Bay, Buffalo City, Kariega and other parts of the province whilst giving courage to those whose family members are reportedly still missing.


In a detailed condolences note issued by the Presidency, Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his sadness on the effects of natural disasters to the country's development and human life.

"The loss of life, destruction of public infrastructure and the loss of personal property brought about by the forces of nature saddens all of us as South Africans," Ramaphosa said.

"The aftermath of these occurrences is best overcome when we work together in the way we are seeing in the Eastern Cape," he added.

President Ramaphosa also commends the way in which authorities, communities, non-governmental organisations and individuals are dealing with rescue and recovery efforts, including the rehousing of a significant number of families who have been displaced.

Meanwhile, given the potential impacts of the winter season on various parts of the country, Ramaphosa urged the public to keep safe by heeding weather alerts and exercising greater care and restraint on the roads in poor weather conditions.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has also called on citizens to reach out to vulnerable members of their families and communities, to make this season as comfortable and safe as possible for people who have limited resources or live on their own.