Family of missing Ekurhuleni MMC remain hopeful as search and rescue efforts continue

The family of the city of Ekurhuleni MMC for Roads and Transport, Andile Mngwevu, says it remains hopeful as search and rescue efforts to locate him continue.

The city confirmed at the weekend that its Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Roads and Transport, Andile Mngwevu, has gone missing in Mozambique following catastrophic flooding in the Chokwé area. The incident happened when the vehicle he was in was caught in rising waters, leading to a grave situation that has left authorities, family, and friends anxiously awaiting news of his fate.

Current reports have put the death toll that affected parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Mozambique at more than 100.

According to local disaster management teams, efforts to locate Mngwevu are being closely coordinated by metro officials in collaboration with national authorities, who are actively engaging with Mozambican officials. Despite significant challenges posed by the deluge, search and rescue teams have reportedly established contact with one of Mngwevu's fellow passengers, raising hopes.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Bongani Mfobela indicated that they continue to engage with search and rescue efforts for the MMC.

"We are currently in a meeting with the family. Things have not progressed, but we are still meeting with the family," he said.

On the latest developments, Mfobela stated: "At this stage, there is no new information regarding the disappearance of our fellow cadre, comrade Andile Mngwevu, apart from the ongoing search efforts. We continue to remain hopeful and ask that we keep Andile and his family in our thoughts and prayers. We also respectfully request that the family be afforded space, dignity, and respect during this very difficult time."

According to media reports, Mngwevu was part of an official delegation visiting Mozambique when severe flooding struck the area. According to the municipality, the vehicle carrying him was caught in fast-moving water and washed away.

The City of Ekurhuleni said it is deeply concerned and remains in constant communication with authorities on the ground.

Ekurhuleni’s spokesperson, Phakamile Mbengashe, conveyed the city’s deep concern for Mngwevu's safety, emphasising that all possible resources and support are being marshalled to assist in the search. "We are just waiting and praying that all is well," Mbengashe said. However, she indicated that the status of the other occupants of the vehicle remains unconfirmed.

On Monday, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, welcomed the declaration of a National Disaster under Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act of 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002) due to severe weather conditions and widespread flooding affecting various parts of the country.

This classification was initiated by the Head of the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), Dr Elias Sithole, following consultations with the relevant government entities and Heads of Provincial Disaster Management Centres through the National Joint Flood Coordinating Committee.

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za